There's little question that the Phoenix Suns are in a difficult spot right now. However, if Giannis Antetokounmpo ends up staying with the Milwaukee Bucks, it could lead to a surprisingly favorable situation wherein Kevin Durant becomes the most desirable player available this offseason.
NBA journalist and insider Marc Stein reported this on Monday (subscription required): There were no apparent breakthrough developments last week for the many factions around the league hoping for a firm indication about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee.
Obviously, if Antetokounmpo decides he wants to play for a team besides the Bucks, he'll be undoubtedly the most sought after player in the league during this offseason cycle. Being a top-three player in basketball is going to have that effect. But if reports of him wanting to leave Milwaukee are dwindling, that could change the equation in a pretty major way.
Let's say things keep trending in the current direction, and Giannis opts to keep fighting the good fight and remain a Buck. In that hypothetical scenario, it's entirely likely that Kevin Durant becomes the most desirable player readily available around the league this summer.
KD would become much more valuable if 34 stays in Milwaukee
Think about it. What other fringe top 10 player has been in the news for weeks on end because he's expected to become available this offseason? KD trade rumors have obviously been suppressed by Antetokounmpo's availability, but there's room for the script to flip pretty drastically here if these rumors are true.
It's hard to envision a better scenario for Suns fans than this one. The only real way forward for Phoenix is to capitalize off of Durant's still relatively high trade value, and demand for number 35 is obviously only going to increase if Antetokounmpo decides to stay put.
Those teams on the brink of contention are going to be looking for a big move to make that will give them a boost up the standings in their eyes. There are several squads that will likely attempt to make plays for Durant should Giannis be unavailable.
Mat Ishbia and the Suns' front office will be much happier if this situation comes to light. The path for Phoenix getting back to the level of a playoff contender may not necessarily require a full rebuild, but it'll almost certainly necessitate a serious retooling, at the very least. Getting as much value back for Kevin Durant as possible is arguably the most important step toward making that happen.