The Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant went crazy in the NBA on Thursday when he allegedly asked for a swap, three days after his co-star, Kyrie Irving, dramatically chose to pursue the $ 37 million player. As expected, Durant is already sparking interest, with more than half the NBA teams reportedly coming into contact with the Nets for the 12-time All-Star, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Durant has four years guaranteed on his contract and the former MVP could realistically play almost anywhere, but some points fit better than others. Here are the top five shopping destinations for Durant.
Phoenix Suns
Barry Gossage / National Basketball Federation / Getty The Phoenix Suns held the NBA record last season by a wide margin, but that did not mean much as the Suns were wiped out by the Dallas Mavericks in the 7th game of the Western Conference semifinals. While Phoenix is ready to play once again, the club can not afford to miss another opportunity as Chris Paul’s career ends. Free agent Deandre Ayton will likely be the key piece of a sign-and-trade package, along with the second defensive player of the year for 2021-22, Mikal Bridges and a collection of draft picks. However, the Suns should act quickly: Ayton would not be eligible for a possible deal if he signs a bid with another organization.
Miami Heat
Issac Baldizon / NBA / Getty Never count Pat Riley. The president of the Heat knows the charm of South Beach for the biggest names in the NBA, something that was proved by Durand who allegedly puts the Florida franchise on his wish list. Obviously, Durant is not a free agent and therefore has no say in where he will end up, but the power of a possible offer from Riley could leave everyone happy with the result. Miami has all but one of its own leagues in the next seven years – choosing the 2025 (or 2026) Thunder is the only future commitment of the team. But the compensation plan may not be the focus of a possible transaction. The Heat are almost certain to sweeten the pot with the rising star guard Tyler Herro, but to match the talent and salary they are exchanging, they may need to add center Bam Adebayo to the offer. However, if it acquires Adebayo, Brooklyn will have to get rid of Ben Simmons at the same time, as teams can not currently include two players in a Designated Rookie Extension acquired through trade, notes ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Toronto Raptors
Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty Remember when Durant said in 2013 that he wanted to play for the Raptors growing up because it was his favorite team? This dream could now come true. Toronto is in an interesting situation in terms of valuable assets. The franchise came home with the fourth overall choice for 2021 at Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and the Raptors still have all their own options in the first round until 2029, according to RealGM. Barnes looks like a great talent, but Durand is a generation star and a package focused on Barnes and many champions and options exchanges – perhaps completed by Pascal Shiakam or maybe OG Anunoby and other salary-matching contracts. – could be enough to bring Durand north of the border.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty It seems that Sam Presti is collecting drafts forever and there may not be a better time to redeem them. No other team will be able to offer the Nets more draft options in what is likely to be a historic development. Oklahoma City also has a lot of young talent to go with these options. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 23, is evolving into one of the NBA’s top point guards. Josh Giddey has been a triple-double threat during his rookie campaign and this year’s No. 2 general candidate Chet Holmgren could move a month after signing his rookie contract. The Thunder may have to give up all three to get Durant, but they would still have a few options to chase a co-star for the two-time MVP of the finals.
Portland Trail Blazers
Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty When the Trail Blazers took Shaedon Sharpe to seventh place in last week’s draft, questions immediately arose about his franchise match. Portland intend to renew the roster to win now with Damian Lillard, but 19-year-old Sharpe is arguably the biggest conundrum in this rookie class, having not played a single minute in college. But now he could be the key to combining another superstar with Lillard. Sharp, of course, may not be the only piece going to Brooklyn on a move for Durand. The Blazers would also almost certainly have to drop the Anfernee Simons release, though that would require some modification of its new $ 100 million four-year deal to a sign-and-trade. In addition to Sharp and Simmons, Portland could also add young guard Keon Johnson and / or winger Josh Hart, as well as any future top champions not in 2024 or 2026.
