In an absolute surprise to no one, almost every NBA team has interest in Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Now, one of the Phoenix Suns’ biggest Western Conference rivals has also reportedly thrown their hat in the mix.
The Phoenix Suns chase for Kevin Durant has become even tougher, with the Memphis Grizzlies interested in acquiring the two-time Finals MVP.
According to The Athletics’ Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are the latest team to show interest in the 33-year-old after he requested a trade from the Nets at the beginning of last month.
"“Recently, a new team has shown interest in Durant: the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell the Athletic. Fresh off a 56-win season, the Grizzlies have made new inquiries to the Nets about Durant, those sources added”."
The Grizzlies were the surprise packet of the 2021-22 season. Led by emerging superstar Ja Morant who won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, Memphis finished with the second-best record in the league behind the Suns.
They accounted for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round of the playoffs before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought six-game series. With Morant leading an impressive young core, the future is certainly bright for the franchise.
But could they give part of that up in the pursuit of earlier success? They certainly have the assets to be able to appease Brooklyn, with a number of their young players, outside Morant, having already established themselves as quality players in the league.
This is headlined by three-and-D wring Desmond Bane, along with shot-blocking, three-point shooting big man Jaren Jackson Jr. (though he’ll miss the beginning of next season). They have another exciting young wing, Zaire Williams, who’s about to enter his second season in the league. Any potential deal could also include 25-year-old Brandon Clarke and recently drafted forward David Roddy. Like Phoenix, Memphis also holds the majority of its draft assets into the future.
The franchise would undoubtedly be grappling with the decision on what value they’d be willing to give up. However, given the Grizzlies franchise are yet to taste championship success, don’t be surprised if they do pull the trigger in an attempt to go all-in on next season.