Durant s trading prospect analysis: Suns ask for draft picks + young players KD s own wishes become the key
In past transfers, Durant emphasized cooperation with the shooting guard. Durant became a free agent in 2016, and then he chose to come to Stephen Curry. Durant then joined forces with Kyrie Irving and James Harden at the Brooklyn Nets, and when he wanted to leave the Nets, he targeted Booker's Suns. At this stage of his career, Durant may need to play with a high-level shooting creator in the backcourt. Durant is no longer the same person he used to be. He no longer really hit the rim, and he was never an elite organizer.
If Durant had already established a relationship with some players, it might be helpful. Among players Durant has not worked with, Anthony Edwards stands out. Because Edwards has regarded Durant as an idol since he was a child, and they played together for the American men's basketball team last summer.
However, in fact, many things may be being decided privately now. Durant may be talking to players in the league to figure out who he wants to play with. If Durant really wants to end his career the way he does, it will mean he will try to choose his own destination. Without knowing what team Durant is looking for, we can’t guess exactly what the trade will look like. However, there are a few teams that would be a reasonable choice.
So, which teams are in the competition?
Durant is not Giannis Antetokounmpo, he is not a MVP candidate with a long career in the future. Durant's age and an expiring contract make him less attractive as a trade candidate than it was a few years ago, but it also expands the scope of the team that can reasonably bring him in. The team can get Durant at a reasonable price.
In April, ESPN reporter Shams Charania reported that Durant had been interested in each other at the trade deadline, namely the Timberwolves, the Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs, the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets. Any of them could be a suitor again this offseason. On the day of the trade deadline, Bob Myers said on ESPN that the Memphis Grizzlies had tried to get Durant, but he turned them down. Maybe Durant will be open to them this offseason.
These are perhaps the teams that are most likely to make a offer. But they won't be all teams that are interested in Durant. Will the Warriors re-report the old things? The Suns tried to trade Durant for Jimmy Butler on the trade deadline. The Warriors can now trade with Butler. Now that the Dallas Mavericks have already (assuming it through the draft) Cooper Flag, they are much less likely to make big deals involving veterans, but the idea of forming a team around Flag, Durant, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving in the near term will certainly be attractive. Please pay attention to the teams in the mid-range Eastern Conference. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic may see opportunities as the Boston Celtics may be inadequate next season. Maybe one of them will give it a bold move.
Durant is perhaps the easiest superstar in NBA history to fit into any team. Even now, Durant may be the hardest shot in the NBA to defend. Durant can adapt to any team, and most teams can afford him. Many teams in the league are expected to be interested in Durant, but ultimately, his preferences may tilt the balance toward a certain team.
Author: Sam Quinn
Translator: GWayNe
