Phoenix Suns Hope To Trade Kevin Durant For a Center
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is expected to be moved this offseason. Trade rumors first began to swirl at the trade deadline, when it became clear that Phoenix was having a disappointing season and a change was needed. Since then, the Suns have missed the playoffs and the play-in tournament entirely, which has caused the rumors of Durant leaving to intensify. Now, some clarity has been shed on the matter, as it has been reported that the organization is prioritizing the center position in a potential Kevin Durant trade.
The Phoenix Suns Center Problem
Matt Moore, a writer for Hardwood Paroxysm, reported that “The Suns have indicated to teams that center is at a premium for them in any KD talks. He might stick around, but their biggest interest is in solving the center position, which has been a disaster since moving on from Ayton.”
He is right that the center position has been a hole in the team in recent years. When the Suns moved on from DeAndre Ayton, Jusuf Nurkic became their starting center. Nurkic had some solid stretches, but his defense and rebounding were a liability, and this season, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Phoenix closed the regular season with Nick Richards starting at center. Richards is a solid young player, but like much of the roster, does not fit the timeline of contending for a championship right now with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The team has made moves to go all in on a title run, but in doing so, has depleted most of the roster that got them that initial success.
Many still believe the organization wants to go all in with their roster moves. For example, circling back to the trade deadline, there was a potential trade that would have sent Kevin Durant to Golden State and Jimmy Butler to Phoenix. But Durant himself rescinded that trade, and Butler went to Golden State. Still, it’s become apparent that he and the Suns are likely to go their separate ways this offseason. No matter what, a player like Durant will get a massive haul in return, and center could be a good need to address.
Potential Kevin Durant Trades
If the Suns do trade Kevin Durant for a center, there are a few interesting options. One team that already made a blockbuster trade this season was the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in a shocking move. But a Durant trade could be a way for them to salvage a contender out of it with a core of Durant, Davis, and Kyrie Irving. Phoenix could get Daniel Gafford or Derrick Lively as a center, other solid players, and a haul of draft picks.
Another potential buyer could be the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have a wealth of young players like Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, or Jeremy Sochan that could be moved, along with picks and maybe a center. This would put Kevin Durant with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
Final Thoughts
One important thing to note in a Durant trade is that at this stage, Kevin Durant likely wants to play for a contender. So, if a team wants to make a move for him, they should not only have the assets to get him in talent and draft capital but also a chance to win a championship with Durant on the roster. If a center is what the Suns want, they should easily get it, since Durant is still such a coveted player across the league. But it will be interesting to see how much Phoenix can get back, and what teams are willing to give up.
