Kevin Durant is without doubt one of the largest names of the offseason following stories that the Suns‘ 36-year-old star has doubtless performed his final sport in Phoenix.
With that in thoughts, Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin broke down six 2025 playoff groups, what their match with Durant would appear like, and what they may supply as a commerce return for the Suns.
The primary vacation spot Rankin checked out is the Timberwolves, who reportedly took a better take a look at Durant on the 2025 commerce deadline than was beforehand identified. Whereas Rankin says the Suns ought to be most thinking about Julius Randle, his proposed deal contains Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and younger depth like Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark.
Different commerce choices thought-about contain a one-for-one commerce with the Warriors for Jimmy Butler, a deal that lands the Grizzlies‘ Ja Morant or Desmond Bane in Phoenix, two centered round younger upside swings for both the Rockets‘ Jalen Inexperienced and Jabari Smith or the Pistons‘ Jaden Ivey, and a depth-replenishing commerce with the Warmth for Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, and Kel’el Ware.
Whereas the Suns face cap-related limitations on any deal, Durant will undoubtedly have his share of suitors as soon as the commerce markets open.
We’ve extra from the Pacific Division:
- After rescinding their commerce for the Hornets‘ Mark Williams, the Lakers have been caught with out a playable beginning heart within the 2025 playoffs. Going into the 2025/26 season, filling that gap might be precedence one, particularly given Luka Doncic‘s love of taking part in with a lob risk, writes Khobi Worth of the Orange County Register. Worth quotes common supervisor Rob Pelinka’s deal with to the media following the season. “It could be nice to have a middle that was a vertical risk, lob risk, and somebody that would defend the inside defensively… There’s additionally unfold facilities that may defend the rim. We’ll take a look at these as effectively. I wouldn’t wish to restrict the archetype, however we all know we’d like an enormous man.” Tariffs the Mavericks‘ Daniel Gafford and the Nets‘ Nic Claxton as prime commerce targets, whereas the Hawks‘ Clint Capela stands out as a prime free agent goal.
- The Kings introduced six pre-draft exercises for Monday, June 2nd, stories Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee (through Twitter). That checklist contains Marcus Williams from USF, Alijah Martin out of Florida, Chibuzo Agbo from USC, Texas’ Arthur Kaluma, David N’Guessan from Kansas State, and Daniel Batcho of Louisiana Tech. Whereas a majority of the candidates are massive males, Williams and Martin are each 6’2″ well-rounded guards. Martin is the one ranked participant on ESPN’s High-100 board from the group of candidates, coming in at 61, after averaging 14.4 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per sport whereas taking pictures 36% from three.
