SPORTS
Kevin Durant's Potential Trade: A Win-Win for Three Teams
Phoenix, USAWed Jun 11 2025
The Phoenix Suns are in a tight spot. They need to shed salary to stay competitive and avoid upsetting their star player, Devin Booker. This might mean trading Kevin Durant, a valuable asset. A three-team trade could benefit everyone involved.
The Suns could trade Durant to the San Antonio Spurs. In return, they would get Lauri Markkanen and a 2025 first-round pick. Markkanen is a 7-foot tall scorer who can play alongside Booker. He's had impressive seasons and can add value to the Suns. The pick is the Atlanta Hawks' first-round pick from a previous trade. It's a lottery-level pick, which the Suns need to escape their salary cap issues and add young talent.
The Spurs would get Durant, John Collins, and another 2025 first-round pick. Durant is a significant scoring threat and can upgrade their wings. He's on a one-year deal, so the Spurs can use him as a rental if they choose. Collins can play multiple positions and is a solid interior defender and rebounder. The Spurs would also send out their 2025 first-round picks, but they get one back from the Jazz at pick 5. This trade helps the Spurs add a key piece to their core and have flexibility in free agency.
The Utah Jazz would send out Markkanen, Collins, and their 2025 fifth overall pick. In return, they would get Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and the 2025 second overall pick. This trade helps the Jazz strip down and reset. They can take flyers on prospects and add to their young core. Vassell is a solid scorer and defender. Barnes is a veteran who can add scoring and defense. Johnson and Sochan are talented forwards who can rebound and defend. The second overall pick is a chance for the Jazz to draft a potential franchise cornerstone.
This trade isn't perfect, but it helps each team achieve their goals. The Suns get out of their salary cap issues and add young talent. The Spurs add a key piece to their core and have flexibility in free agency. The Jazz strip down and reset, adding to their young core and getting a chance at a franchise cornerstone. It's a win-win for all involved.
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questions
How does trading Kevin Durant benefit the Phoenix Suns in the long term, given his significant contributions to the team?
What are the potential risks associated with acquiring Lauri Markkanen and a 2025 first-round pick in exchange for Kevin Durant?
If the Jazz get the second overall pick, will they finally stop tanking and start winning games?