Where will Kevin Durant be next season? These are the teams chasing the NBA star
After two years with the Phoenix Suns, the 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant is poised to leave Arizona ahead of next season.
The Phoenix Suns are working with a number of teams - based on discussions with Kevin Durant’s representatives over the past week - to find a new home for the two-time NBA champion. As part of the deal reached between the franchise and the player after the February trade deadline, it was agreed that a trade would be sought in the summer, marking the end of their two-year relationship in Arizona. This story is finally heading in that direction.
Which teams are in the hunt for KD’s services?
ESPN journalist Shams Charania has revealed the list of teams the Suns are working with, based on their talks with the player. While the San Antonio Spurs are a destination of choice for Durant and the Houston Rockets were the favorites until recently, there are other options.
The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and, as in previous years, the New York Knicks are also in the mix. The Golden State Warriors, who wanted to acquire him four months ago to relive successful times, are out of the race, according to Charania.
Phoenix will need to work closely with Rich Kleiman, Durant’s representative, to satisfy both the team’s and the player’s needs. Naturally, a series of conversations with Durant’s suitors will begin to find the best possible deal. Key roles in this process will be played by Brian Gregory, the new general manager, Jordan Ott, the new coach, and Mat Ishbia, the owner.
Durant remains a top-class performer
For Durant, this would be his third trade after his fruitful stint with the Warriors. In California, he won two championship rings following his attempts with the Thunder. He enjoyed terrifying dominance alongside the likes of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, but he sought new challenges. With the Nets, he also teamed up with Kyrie Irving and James Harden, but requested to leave when his dream turned sour. And the Suns’ lack of success has been an ever greater disappointment, given the franchise has the highest budget in the league.
Durant remains a pivotal presence in today’s game. The upcoming season will be his 19th as a professional, although he missed one due to an Achilles rupture. In an organization that is about to break up its offensive trio, with Devin Booker remaining as the focal point, Durant was the top scorer and the sixth-best in the competition behind Jayson Tatum, Edwards, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A top-class performer.
At 36, Durant still hopes to sign a good mid or long-term contract. He will earn $54.7 million next season, the last of his current deal, and aspires to similar numbers. It depends on when the trade is executed and when he negotiates the extension with the new team. In July, he could reach $112 million for two years; six months later, the figure will increase to $124 million.
Fifteen All-Star appearances, two Finals MVPs, and one regular-season MVP in the NBA - and although his time in Phoenix may seem like a failure, he holds the record scoring average as a Suns player (26.8). Durant, one of the best ever, still has a road ahead of him. Needless to say, his decision and that of Antetokounmpo will significantly impact the market, so much so that team planning will be based on the outcome of their moves.
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