The Phoenix Suns are reportedly open to buying and selling Kevin Durant. The previous MVP is essentially the most tradable member of the staff’s “Massive Three,” and will generate a big return for Phoenix to start retooling its roster.
Durant’s famous person standing means a number of groups will doubtless submit commerce gives within the coming weeks. However not each vacation spot is sensible for Durant, particularly when contemplating what this transfer might imply for a way historical past remembers him.
Critics have always scrutinized and dismissed Durant’s two championships with the Golden State Warriors. Due to this fact, his subsequent vacation spot might both silence these doubters or cement the narrative that he cannot win with out becoming a member of established powerhouses.
With that context, listed here are 5 potential touchdown spots ranked from worst to greatest by their potential impression on Durant’s legacy.
5. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors aren’t the dynasty they have been when Durant joined the franchise in 2016. Nonetheless, shifting again to the Bay Space would spark an excessive amount of dialogue about his lack of ability to win with out Stephen Curry by his facet.
Even when Durant did assist convey one other championship to Golden State, it could solely additional add to the discourse surrounding his accomplishments. For that purpose, he’ll doubtless look to swerve a reunion with Steve Kerr and the Warriors core.
4. Miami Warmth
Granted, successful a championship is a staff effort; nevertheless, Durant has fallen brief in his final two touchdown spots. Out of all of the potential suitors for his companies, the Warmth have the least depth. Miami would want to intestine its roster to amass the 15-time All-Star.
Which means shifting to South Seashore might make it three straight groups with no championship. Pat Riley will undoubtedly attempt to give Durant the supporting forged he wants, however as we noticed with Jimmy Butler, Riley has misplaced a few of his powers. In spite of everything, Butler was by no means given the supporting forged he wanted to recover from the hump.
So, until Durant is shifting to Miami for the climate, he might attempt to swerve the franchise as a possible touchdown spot.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are a star participant away from being a contender. Ime Udoka has instilled a tradition and play fashion that will get the very best out of the present roster. If Durant may very well be airdropped into the present rotation, and he helps them win a championship within the coming years, the narrative round his profession might change.
Certain, he can be becoming a member of a pre-built roster. But, he can be the expertise that acquired the staff over the hump. A win with Houston would do wonders for silencing his critics.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Durant is a veteran expertise. Including him to the San Antonio Spurs would put him into some unfamiliar territory. In spite of everything, the roster is being constructed round Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Fortress and whoever is available in with the 2025 second general choose.
However, Durant may very well be a part of the primary Spurs staff to win a championship because the nice Tim Duncan patrolled the paint. That kind of achievement must rely for one thing, particularly if he helped expedite Wembanyama’s improvement alongside the way in which.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Equally to the Rockets, the Timberwolves really feel like they’re one star piece away from being set for the foreseeable future. Anthony Edwards wants a working mate who’s simply as proficient, if no more. The one distinction is that if Durant gained a championship with the Timberwolves, your entire narrative must change.
Minnesota has by no means raised a championship banner. Durant would go down as a franchise legend and a three-time champion. Moreover, the Timberwolves have the belongings to amass him with out stripping the roster right down to the studs. So, if the Timberwolves come calling and the Suns are proud of the return, Durant ought to do no matter he can to start out stocking up on winter put on.
