Cleveland, OH – It’s been over seven years since Kevin Durant last won an NBA Championship. Several factors have contributed to this drought, but his time in Phoenix has been particularly stalled by the team’s heavy financial commitment to just three players. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker account for nearly 70% of the Suns’ total salary cap. This wouldn’t be an issue if the roster gelled and played cohesive basketball. Unfortunately, the Suns haven’t meshed, and they can’t adjust due to the large salaries and Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause. With only one year left on Durant’s contract and at age 36, it’s likely he’ll be traded to a championship contender to finish his career.
Like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Suns are stuck in the second apron, with a total cap of $228,464,502, about $26 million over the second-apron threshold. The rules for teams in the second apron trying to pull off a trade are: they can’t trade first-round picks seven years out, can’t do sign-and-trades, can’t send cash in deals, and must match salaries to move players. Ironically, these rules were designed to prevent superteams like the 2017-2019 Golden State Warriors, who once had a starting five of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins, and, yes, Kevin Durant. In a way, Durant is navigating rules inspired by his own move from Oklahoma City to Golden State, which many fans called a “superteam.”
Before I list two possible trades, I want to note how variable Durant’s trade value is. On one hand, he’s a 15-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, and two-time Finals MVP on two of the greatest teams in NBA history. On the other hand, at 36, he’s at an age where injuries can become a concern. Plus, the second apron limits Phoenix’s trade options. Ultimately, Durant’s trade value hinges on whether a front office prioritizes short-term wins over long-term risks. With that in mind, let’s look at two potential trades involving teams rumored to be in the mix.
As with the Cavs article I wrote last week, I’ll start with a trade proposed by NBA insiders Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Dave McMenamin, Kevin Pelton, and André Snellings. This deal sends Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In return, the Suns receive Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale, the No. 10 pick in 2025, and a 2027 first-round pick (via Phoenix). The Suns would get two former first-round picks, Sheppard and Whitmore, who saw limited minutes this year due to Houston’s deep roster. Whitmore has shown flashes of potential, and Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, displayed elite three-point shooting and great patience as a guard at Kentucky. Brooks brings toughness and three-and-D versatility to a Phoenix team that needs it, while Landale adds a solid veteran presence. The biggest asset for Phoenix is regaining their 2027 first-round pick, which offers flexibility if they choose to retool which might require them to suffer in the win column for a couple of years. For Houston, this trade addresses their offensive struggles after a first-round playoff exit to Golden State. Durant, with his size, shooting, handles, and finishing ability, is one of the toughest players to guard in the league. Houston also sheds players who don’t fit their rotation. I like this trade for both sides, but I do think Phoenix might want one extra pick in this trade.
The next trade is one I came up with, involves the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. The Suns will trade Kevin Durant to Miami, and in return, they will receive Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, a 2027 Miami first-round pick swap, a 2029 Miami Heat unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 unprotected first-round pick from Miami. Miami gets a star player to pair with their other two stars, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. For Phoenix, they get a couple of wings who can shoot and play some defense. More importantly, this trade gives them two first-round draft picks starting the year Kevin Durant turns 40 years old. This is a trade for Phoenix to make if they want to retool this team and start a rebuild. As for Miami, they should do this if their mindset is to go all-in since the East looks wide open next year. Overall, I don’t think this trade gets done, but if the Houston deal falls apart, there aren’t many other teams that would make sense for KD.
Kevin Durant’s legacy is complex when fans debate his all-time ranking. However, if he pushes Phoenix to trade him to one of these destinations, he could get that coveted ring that isn’t tainted with discourse on its merit.
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