Kevin Durant’s Possible Return To Thunder Draws Massive Buzz

In the wake of the Phoenix Suns’ unceremonious exit from the playoffs, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon offers a bold suggestion: trading Kevin Durant back to his original NBA home, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

MacMahon believes this could be the Suns’ best route forward, despite the immediate setback it might entail as they reposition their assets and roster focused on Devin Booker long term.

“I think the best way out for the Suns is certainly not what Mat Ishbia wants to hear, and that would be to trade Kevin Durant,” MacMahon told the Arizona Republic. “Now, you’re not contending right away by doing that. You’re probably taking a step back, but if you want to have a chance to build something sustainable around Devin Booker, I think that would be the only logical route given the lack of assets.”

The Suns’ acquisition of Durant in February 2023 was hailed as the final piece to cement their status as championship contenders. However, the anticipated success failed to materialize, culminating in a lackluster playoff campaign this season. Durant, along with stars Bradley Beal and Booker, couldn’t muster a single postseason victory, casting doubts on the viability of the Suns’ star-studded lineup.

The disappointment reached its nadir with the Suns’ first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite finishing the regular season as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, the Suns proved unable to translate their regular-season success into playoff results.

The trio of Beal, Booker, and Durant, with their combined salaries exceeding $150 million, presents a significant financial burden for the Suns. This, coupled with their lack of depth, underscores the urgency for strategic roster adjustments.

Durant’s mammoth contract further complicates matters for the Suns. His salary is set to increase in the coming seasons, putting additional strain on the team’s salary cap flexibility. However, MacMahon suggests that the move could also be beneficial for the Thunder.

“My first phone call probably would be to his original home,” MacMahon said. “I don’t know what Oklahoma City’s interest would be, but I could convince myself he would be one hell of a fit there and it wouldn’t be about the players you’re getting back, but obviously the picks in that case.”

While trading Durant might seem drastic, it highlights the need for the Suns to explore unconventional avenues to revitalize their roster around Booker. Regardless, Phoenix has communicated a desire to run it back next season with its current core.