Kevin Durant is ‘Open’ To Stay With the ‘Most Expensive’ NBA Roster

Kevin Durant was reportedly beneath the radar of the Atlanta Hawks, however that didn’t materialize throughout the commerce deadline. Since then, he is been the topic of many commerce rumors outdoors the Phoenix Suns.

Although the workforce’s woes proceed, and Durant has expressed displeasure with earlier commerce talks, all hope shouldn’t be misplaced that he could stay with the Suns. A latest report mentioned that he is “open” to staying with the workforce.

Phoenix Suns Struggle With Expensive Payroll

According to Bleacher Report, the Phoenix Suns are in a difficult scenario on and off the courtroom. With their costly payroll of $366 million this season, which incorporates luxurious tax funds, the Suns have main monetary constraints. The Suns (35-40), who’ve been spending all season lengthy, are nonetheless unable to get into the playoffs and are one sport behind the Sacramento Kings for the final place within the Western Conference play-in match.

This value has solely exacerbated the workforce’s inner points, as they haven’t made a significant postseason push since their final playoff win on May 7, 2023, towards the Denver Nuggets within the Western Conference semifinals. Their lackluster effort, together with final 12 months’s first-round sweep by the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, makes one surprise if they will proceed setting up a championship contender round their declining stars.

Kevin Durant’s Future in Phoenix: Open to Staying?

Despite commerce rumors round Durant earlier within the season, particularly with the Golden State Warriors, he’s nonetheless keen to remain in Phoenix.

Logan Murdock of The Ringer stories that Durant would possibly be capable of signal a two-year, $122 million extension with the Suns this summer time. This is a drastic change, given the early stories of his discontent with being positioned in commerce rumors forward of the February 6 commerce deadline.

But the Suns’ robust monetary scenario makes issues extra sophisticated. Since they’re paying luxurious taxes, they need to fastidiously contemplate their choices about Durant’s future.

Durant is among the oldest NBA gamers at 36, however his scoring potential is what attracts the groups. Averaging virtually 27 factors per night time wasn’t a joke for somebody who’s bidding goodbye to his prime. For Durant, he might nonetheless be the primary man when the Suns wanted him probably the most.

Can the Suns Make a Playoff Push with Booker and Durant?

If Durant is certainly keen to increase with the Suns, he and Booker could possibly be the inspiration. However, Mat Ishbia ought to rebuild the roster to see what playstyles will complement the 2 superstars.

But issues get attention-grabbing with Bradley Beal, who has a full no-trade clause. If Beal stays, it makes Durant the Suns’ Most worthy commerce commodity.

Trading Durant to the Dallas Mavericks is feasible, however it is overstated, in response to an NBA insider. If there is a workforce that might decide him up, it is the Los Angeles Lakers—however provided that LeBron James retires.