The Phoenix Suns will trade Kevin Durant this offseason, but fans should expect him to have a say in where he ends up. He made it clear on the Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis that the future Hall of Famer wanted “my career to end on my terms”. It is why he blocked the trade to Golden State before the deadline, and the Suns are extremely unlikely to change their stance now.
Several teams have already been linked to Durant, but the market has been slowed by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Teams are waiting to see what the Greek Freak wants, and the Suns are praying he stays in Milwaukee. If so, Durant is likely the top name available and ensures Phoenix gets a significant haul.
The Suns are not getting back what they paid for KD, especially as he enters the final year of his contract. It is why the franchise will work with him to find the right landing spot. The team's willingness to extend Durant should only increase Phoenix’s return.
Suns will give Kevin Durant a say in where he ends up
The Warriors won’t want to hear this. He declined a trade back to the Bay Area before the deadline and may again deny them. Durant likely has the Heat and Timberwolves atop his wish list. Both teams need a star. Minnesota allows him to join Anthony Edwards, and the Heat have Pat Riley calling the shots. Both franchises have shown interest in Durant and would be ready to maximize the roster around him.
KD has been known to surprise. Nobody thought he’d end up on the Nets in 2019 or join the Warriors to create maybe the most talented roster in NBA history when leaving Oklahoma City. The 15-time All-Star may ask for a deal to a franchise nobody sees coming at the 11th hour. The Suns have shown he will get that say.
This is not advantageous to the organization. What is best for them is trading Durant to the highest bidder and maximizing their return. Several teams are offering packages, and Phoenix just missed the postseason entirely. They need to get a haul back and totally remake their roster. The Suns are worried about how things will look in the future if they don’t respect KD’s wishes, but their unattractive roster may be worse for convincing talent to come to the Valley.
Phoenix Suns fans should expect a Kevin Durant trade this offseason. It is the franchise’s only path to saving some money and retooling their roster around Devin Booker. KD will likely end up on a contender and would be wise to go to the Eastern Conference, especially after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. It is what the 6’11 sniper wants. The Suns will honor that. Fans are just waiting to see where he wants to land.