Phoenix Suns followers might not must donate their Kevin Durant jerseys simply but.
A shocking new report emerged Tuesday on the Suns star Durant’s future from Logan Murdock of The Ringer. Murdock stories that “the ebook isn’t closed” on Durant probably returning to Phoenix subsequent season. Moreover, Murdock writes that Durant, who’s eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension this summer season, can be “open” to a return to the Suns.
The 36-year-old Durant is underneath contract for another assured season with the Suns, however all indicators have seemingly been pointing to a break up between the 2 sides this offseason. Phoenix is a disappointing 35-40 this season (one recreation again of the ultimate play-in spot within the Western Convention), and but they’re neck-deep within the second apron with a roster that’s costing them over $400 million this season (in each wage and tax payments).
There are additionally restricted pathways from right here for the Suns to get out of the second apron, which is able to get more and more punitive the longer that they spend in it. Bradley Beal is armed with a full no-trade clause, and buying and selling away Devin Booker, Phoenix’s longest-tenured participant who sounds very a lot dedicated to spending his complete NBA profession with the franchise, would danger a revolt from their followers. Thus, a commerce of Durant is probably going the Suns’ final and finest resort to protect some semblance of longer-term flexibility.
Opposing groups are clearly nonetheless loads curious about Durant too, particularly since he’s averaging 26.6 factors per recreation on 53/43/84 taking pictures splits this season (proper in keeping with his profession averages regardless of his age). Some actually intriguing suitors have already been talked about in reference to Durant, so the Suns ought to simply be capable to command a return package deal that is sufficient to incentivize pulling the set off there.
However on the flip aspect of issues, there are additionally indicators that Phoenix shouldn’t be fairly able to half methods with Durant simply but. A number of weeks in the past, a report prompt that the Suns may make a significant change to attempt to appease the ex-MVP Durant, and now Murdock’s report is offering extra hope for the potential of a continued partnership.
