Time is ticking for the Phoenix Suns. They want to trade Kevin Durant before the draft, which is a week away. Phoenix has engaged in trade talks with a handful of teams, but they haven't received the kind of offer they want. The reality is that the offer they desire may never come.
The Suns don't value draft picks and young players in a trade, but instead, they want impactful veterans who can help Phoenix make the championship push it wants with Devin Booker. The best possible offer the Suns can get might not come from one of Durant's top teams, which are the Spurs, Rockets, and Heat.
The Athletic recently reported that San Antonio is being "conservative" in its pursuit of KD (subscription required). The Spurs aren't willing to go all-in on Durant, who will turn 37 before the start of next season. The Rockets believe in their young core, and like the Spurs, don't want to give up the farm for KD. The Heat would love to have Durant help them make a push in a weakened conference, but Miami doesn't have the assets or players to meet Phoenix's demands.
Will Suns trade Kevin Durant before the draft?
The longer that it takes for a trade to happen, the more questions will arise. What if another star requests a trade, shifting attention from Durant? What if a team interested in getting Durant bows out of the race? Knowing the Suns' luck, one of those two things (or both) could happen.
What will happen if Phoenix doesn't trade Durant by the draft? The front office could look to Minnesota. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that KD doesn't want to play for the Timberwolves, but they could offer the Suns the kind of package they want when the new year begins on July 6. Phoenix could get Julius Randle (if he opts in to his player option) or Rudy Gobert in a deal, along with Donte DiVincenzo and a young player.
Banking on something like that happening would be a risky move for the Suns. They shouldn't be willing to let Durant go for pennies, but it's time to be more open-minded about what they can get for him from the teams that are interested. Expecting a team like the Spurs to give them the No. 2 pick in the draft, or reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, isn't realistic.
Maybe a Durant trade will happen within the next few days. If one doesn't happen, concern will grow even more among a fanbase that knows the feeling of disappointment all too well.