Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Set to leave Phoenix this summer, Kevin Durant should even know his destination before the Draft, according to the latest information. In particular, a suggested trade to the USA could enable him to form a formidable quartet for the Mavericks.
Despite some doubts in recent weeks, the divorce seems inevitable. The Suns are set to part company with Kevin Durant after just over two years together. It remains to be seen where the star winger will be heading. Even if the Spurs seem to be well placed in this case, another Texan franchise could emerge as the big winner.
The Mavs’ XXL deal to attract Kevin Durant
While the Rockets continue to be mooted as a possible drop-off point for Durant, the Mavericks could also get involved in this battle. After all, they tried to get their hands on the Slim Reaper on the sidelines of the last trade deadline, which shows a certain interest in him. Interest that could materialize through a three-team trade imagined by Fadeaway World’s Siddhant Gupta:
- The Dallas Mavericks receive: Kevin Durant
- The Phoenix Suns receive: Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, first-round pick 2028 (DET), second-round pick 2029 (via MIL), second-round pick 2030 (via MIN)
- The Detroit Pistons receive: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Jaden Hardy
Following Luka Doncic’s departure during the season, Nico Harrison has made it clear that Dallas will be aiming for nothing less than the title in the coming years. And what better way to do this than with a quartet comprising KD, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis… and Cooper Flagg. Yes, this transfer wouldn’t force the Mavs to part with the #1 pick in the next draft, and therefore the young and oh-so-promising American prospect.
On the other hand, they would have to give up Daniel Gafford in order to meet the Suns’ demands for a pivot in exchange for Durant. The Suns would also acquire the talented Max Christie, as well as several draft picks. A good way of looking to the future with greater serenity, as they are sorely lacking in valuable long-term assets.
Finally, the Pistons would facilitate negotiations by sending the aforementioned picks to Phoenix. Considering their current situation, their counterparty would also be interesting. Outsiders in the East, they would gain valuable experience players in Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington, and reinforce Cade Cunningham’s supporting cast in a very attractive way.