Should the Phoenix Suns trade Kevin Durant?

The Phoenix Suns are caught in a tough spot. After risking their depth to acquire both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, their first season as a big three ended in disappointment being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This has sparked a number of rumors and speculation about where the team goes from here, considering they have $150 million committed to just their big three next season. The trio of Devin Booker, Durant and Beal are set to make bank over the next few years, not allowing the team a lot of room to develop their team.

It seems inevitable that the Suns will have to make moves or be pressured to make moves in the offseason, and to make any massive waves they may need to trade one of the big three. It is unlikely they move on from Devin Booker, despite multiple rumors involving the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans, unless the superstar wants to be traded. This team has been built with Booker as the main guy and it will likely continue to revolve around him.

Bradley Beal is the interesting piece. He is owed over 50 million for next season and has a no trade clause. While he seems like the most viable candidate, the Suns would not get much in return for him or they would have trouble trading him as he can pick where he wants to end up.

This is why Kevin Durant is the most viable trade piece.

Despite being on the back end of his career, KD is still a superstar and can score at will. He has already moved teams multiple times since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder and will not hesitate to request a trade if he is unhappy.

Phoenix may be wise to try and shop Durant while his value is high and he has not requested a trade. Looking at what the Suns had to trade to get Durant from Brooklyn, the Suns know they could manage a massive haul for KD. A number of championship contending teams would be eager to make for Durant to push them even closer to a ring.

This would be Phoenix's best chance at staying in contention. They could trade Durant for a star big man and some complementary pieces or a legitimate star point guard and some other pieces. Another rebuild does not seem to be the way ownership would want to go, especially since they would likely lose Devin Booker due to this.

Durant comes as the most viable option as he has already allegedly expressed concern with the offensive game of the Phoenix Suns and his role in the offense alongside his superstar teammates, according to a report from The Athletic:

""Those sources said Durant had persistent issues with the offense, feeling that he was being relegated to the corner far too often and not having the proper designs to play to his strengths as the offense was built around pick-and-rolls.""

Shams Charania and Doug Haller

If this is true, it may be only a matter of time before a trade request comes from the superstar as he tries to have another run at a championship. Phoenix getting in first means that they will likely receive a better package for him. KD's age and injury history will also be a concern as the years go on, so if Phoenix wants to move on from Durant it may be the perfect time to do it.