The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for what should be a chaotic offseason, which a Kevin Durant trade could kick-start. John Gambadoro stated on the Burns & Gambo Show that Durant could be interested in a trade to the Spurs, adding that a KD trade is expected to occur before the draft, which would give the Suns draft capital in 2025 to improve their roster.
Phoenix has already made moves since its season ended, such as firing Mike Budenholzer and promoting Brian Gregory. The Suns are still determining who will be the next head coach, but have narrowed the search down to Jordan Ott or Johnnie Bryant. NBA insider Marc Stein reported late Tuesday night that Phoenix could decide by as early as Wednesday (today).
The NBA offseason hasn't officially begun yet. The Thunder and Pacers are preparing to face off in the NBA Finals, which will start on Thursday. That is what is currently captivating the attention of the NBA realm, but a Durant trade is on the radar.
Suns reportedly want to trade Kevin Durant before 2025 draft
Phoenix has two picks in the 2025 draft: No. 29 and 52. The first-round pick that originally belonged to the Suns now belongs to the Rockets at No. 10. A Durant trade could result in Phoenix having a lottery pick after all, particularly if a deal is made with San Antonio. The Spurs have the No. 2 and 14 picks, so maybe the Suns could get the latter.
They need a high-impact, young player because Mat Ishbia refuses to undergo a rebuild. Phoenix's best shot at getting that would be trading into the lottery. If the Suns can get the No. 14 pick (or the No. 10 pick from the Rockets), that'd be a win.
The draft is only three weeks away, so momentum for a KD trade will continue to gain traction. The two and a half seasons he spent in the desert didn't amount to anything close to what Ishbia envisioned when he sent a slew of first-round picks and two key players to the Nets in 2023. Phoenix can't undo its past mistakes, but trading Durant this summer will help guide the organization onto the right path.
Expect a trade to happen sooner rather than later. The Suns have their eyes on a high draft pick, and time is ticking. Let's see what Gregory and Ishbia can do.