The Kevin Durant commerce hypothesis continues to accentuate throughout the NBA. Current stories point out solely two groups stay critical contenders for the famous person ahead.
The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have emerged as the first locations. Each franchises possess the required belongings to make a aggressive supply for Kevin Durant’s providers.
San Antonio enters negotiations with a powerful arsenal of 13 first-round picks by 2031, together with the second and 14th alternatives this yr.
The Spurs may supply established gamers like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Harrison Barnes to match wage necessities.
Younger prospect Stephon Fortress may function the centerpiece that entices Phoenix to make a deal. His potential mixed with San Antonio’s draft capital creates a sexy bundle.
Houston brings a special method with confirmed younger abilities like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Inexperienced, and Jabari Smith Jr.
All three gamers have NBA expertise and will instantly assist the Suns stay aggressive whereas rebuilding their roster.
NBA insider Jon Krawczynski believes the Jimmy Butler commerce saga provides necessary classes for Durant’s state of affairs.
Butler initially most popular becoming a member of Phoenix earlier than his transfer from Miami to Golden State earlier this yr.
Nonetheless, the Suns’ wage cap constraints and Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause finally prevented that deal from materializing.
Butler ultimately landed with the Warriors, the place he’s helped Golden State attain the second spherical of the playoffs.
The Butler precedent suggests Durant’s most popular vacation spot won’t turn into actuality. Groups like Miami Warmth and Minnesota Timberwolves stay actively pursuing the veteran scorer.
Minnesota may supply Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle to Phoenix, each able to supporting Devin Booker successfully. In the meantime, Durant can staff up with Anthony Edwards to carry title to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves even have salary-matching items like Donte DiVincenzo and younger prospects Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.
The Warmth presents one other intriguing choice with younger heart Kel’el Ware and two first-round picks, supplied the commerce happens earlier than this month’s draft.
Durant could have his preferences, however NBA historical past reveals the market’s flexibility usually sends stars to surprising locations. The approaching weeks will decide the place the longer term Corridor of Famer continues his championship pursuit.
