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[Saba Sports News] The Phoenix Suns could be in for a dramatic offseason, and Kevin Durant’s status with the team is far from guaranteed. While the Suns aren’t actively looking to trade the 15-time All-Star, his future in the Valley is clearly in question.
Following their sixth straight loss on Sunday, the Suns now trail the Dallas Mavericks by 2.5 games for the final Western Conference play-in spot—a disappointing position given Phoenix has one of the league’s highest payrolls.
In a column published Monday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst outlined potential paths forward for the team if they miss the playoffs. While Phoenix reportedly doesn’t *want* to trade Durant, doing so might be their only viable route to escape the second tax apron and regain roster flexibility.
The Suns have made it clear that Devin Booker is off the table. Bradley Beal has a full no-trade clause and would need to approve any move. That leaves Durant—still playing at an elite level—as the team’s most tradeable star. According to Windhorst, the Suns sought a “massive haul” for Durant at the trade deadline but didn’t find a suitable deal.
Durant is averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, and most teams wouldn’t blink at his $55 million salary for next year. However, Durant is also reportedly looking for a two-year, $120 million max extension.
“If the Suns arrive at a crossroads where they have to move Durant,” Windhorst wrote, “they might have to choose between getting what they want—an ideal package of players and picks—or what they need—financial flexibility.”
While Phoenix could explore other changes without breaking up its Big Three, that may not solve the deeper roster issues. If the team does decide to move on from Durant, one Western Conference contender has already emerged as an early favorite to land the two-time Finals MVP.