Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
The Spurs expressed an interest in Kevin Durant a long time ago, which happens to be mutual according to several media outlets. But the Suns have an ideal scenario and it doesn’t involve the Texan franchise for this summer.
As Shams Charania confirmed a few weeks ago, the Spurs want to recruit a winger for this summer, capable of taking this organization to the next level. Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are credible candidates, with San Antonio having the assets for such a deal. Of course, the second pick in the next draft is also very valuable.
Even if Dylan Harper is well on the way to being selected, a rebound is not impossible according to Shams, or even John Gambadoro, who confirmed a possible deal during the month of June. In the event of a deal, we’ll know before the draft on the 25th. But let’s just say that the Suns are hoping to find another solution at this stage.
The Suns’ ideal scenario with Kevin Durant
Today, it’s said that Phoenix isn’t really interested in retaining Durant, despite the new GM’s fascination with the player. KD’s departure is a good way to turn over a new leaf, pick up some assets and also get out from under his salary. And given the choice, the Suns aren’t interested in negotiating with the Spurs, but rather with another Texan team.
We’re talking about the Rockets here. As it happens, they lost in the first round of the playoffs and could be aggressive accordingly, just to improve this roster. But what makes this destination so attractive to the Suns is the fact that Houston has draft rounds of their own.
There’s that 2025 first rounder, as well as a 2027 first rounder that belongs to the Rockets, and all without protection. So the Suns would like to get them back, as RealGM explains with information from Kelly Iko:
RealGM : “The Phoenix Suns have been aggressive in their conversations with the Houston Rockets on a trade involving Kevin Durant. The Suns are attempting to regain control of their draft picks owned by the Rockets beginning with the No. 10 pick in the draft. The Suns have gradually lowered their asking price for Durant. While there is a price that would make sense for the Rockets to add Durant to their otherwise young core, there is doubt about whether a deal will come to fruition.”
Logical for the Suns, who need assets to rebuild better. It remains to be seen whether the Rockets are interested in these negotiations, especially as KD would be ideal for them in the West.