Stephen A. Smith Says The Phoenix Suns Want To Trade Kevin Durant Right Now

Stephen A. Smith has recently stirred the pot with a report suggesting that the Phoenix Suns are privately interested in trading their star forward, Kevin Durant, despite public statements to the contrary. This comes in the wake of significant trade activity involving the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets, which has fueled speculation about potential moves involving top-tier NBA talent.

"Pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now. That's number one. Number two, also, Houston doesn't want Kevin Durant."

"Ime Udoka may want him, but organizationally, they know that they are not there yet, so their plans are more long-range. And they would prefer a Devin Booker, who they know it's a slim chance they'll get, but that would be their preference." (9:55)

According to Smith , while the Suns have publicly committed to retaining Durant, behind the scenes, they are considering moving on from the 35-year-old All-Star. The speculation was further intensified by recent trades that saw the Rockets acquiring multiple future first-round picks, including some initially sent to the Brooklyn Nets in the Durant trade.

This accumulation of assets has positioned the Rockets as potential players in any major trade deals, although Smith notes that their preference leans towards a younger star like Devin Booker rather than Durant .

Durant remains one of the elite scorers in the league, evidenced by his 27.1 points per game last season, along with 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists. However, the Suns' experiment with their Big Three—Durant, Booker , and Bradley Beal —has not yielded the desired results, as they faced early exits in consecutive playoff seasons. Despite his age and the Suns' current situation, Durant's value remains high due to his consistent performance and experience.

From a strategic standpoint, the Suns might benefit from exploring trades for Durant to address other needs within their roster and potentially gather valuable future assets. This approach could help balance their team better and provide more depth, especially given the hefty luxury tax bill they are already incurring.

Furthermore, trading Durant while his value is still high could prevent potential losses if he were to face any significant injuries, which would diminish his trade value.

On the other hand, rumors of trading Booker are less likely to materialize. At 27, Booker aligns more closely with a long-term rebuilding plan and remains a key figure for the Suns. His performance last season, averaging 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, underscores his importance to the team.

Ultimately, the decision to trade Durant involves weighing immediate gains against long-term stability. While the Rockets have expressed interest, they may be more inclined to pursue younger talent that aligns with their rebuilding timeline.

Meanwhile, the Suns must consider the potential impact of trading a star like Durant and how it fits into their broader strategy for achieving sustained success in the highly competitive Western Conference. Regardless of the outcome, this situation highlights the dynamic nature of NBA team management and the constant balancing act between present performance and future potential.

Kevin Durant Could Join The Warriors As Well

Kevin Durant could potentially rejoin the Golden State Warriors in a move that would reshape the NBA landscape and reignite the Warriors' championship aspirations. With the Warriors seeking to maximize their current window of opportunity, reuniting with Durant could be the key to their success. Here are three trade scenarios that could facilitate Durant's return to the Bay Area:

Trade Scenario No. 1

Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIL)

In this scenario, the Warriors acquire Kevin Durant by trading a significant package to the Suns. The trade includes Andrew Wiggins , Draymond Green , Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, along with future draft picks. This mix of veteran leadership, defensive prowess, and young talent provides the Suns with assets to remain competitive and build for the future.

Trade Scenario No. 2

Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: Klay Thompson (Sign and Trade), Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, 2029 First-Round Pick

In this trade, the Suns receive Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga , Brandin Podziemski, and a future first-round pick. This combination offers the Suns championship experience, elite shooting, and youthful potential. For the Warriors, acquiring Durant in exchange for Thompson and Wiggins boosts their scoring and versatility.

Trade Scenario No. 3

Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: Klay Thompson (Sign and Trade), Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis

In this scenario, the Suns acquire Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade, along with Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. This blend of experience and future assets keeps the Suns competitive now and later. For the Warriors, parting with Thompson, Green, and a trio of young players signifies a bold move to stay at the top.

Among these scenarios, Trade Scenario No. 1 is the most realistic. It balances the Warriors' need to acquire a superstar like Durant while offering the Suns a mix of proven talent and promising young players.

The inclusion of draft picks further sweetens the deal, giving the Suns flexibility for future moves. This trade addresses the needs of both teams, making it a compelling and exciting move that could lead to another NBA title for the Warriors and solidify Durant’s legacy in Golden State.

Related: The Only Way The Houston Rockets Can Land Kevin Durant This Summer

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