Kevin Durant’s chances of showcasing his skills in the playoffs this year look slim as the Phoenix Suns suffered a loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
However, Durant’s trade rumors for the upcoming offseason are gaining momentum. NBA analyst Grant Hughes suggests that the Dallas Mavericks, who are now depleted, could make a move for him.
The Mavericks Could Be in Play to Acquire Kevin Durant
Durant signed a four-year, $194 million extension with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, which carried over to the Suns when he was traded in 2023. After this season, Durant will enter the final year of his deal. As such, his trade rumors have been swirling since February.
In Dallas, Luka Dončić’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and subsequent injuries have left the Mavericks in a difficult position. They will need to make significant moves to return to title contention next season, especially following the injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes highlights in his report that a potential move this NBA offseason could be the Mavericks going all-in for Durant. Durant has been linked to Dallas multiple times in his career, and this summer might finally be the right time for that partnership to begin.
“If we’ve learned anything about the Mavs and general manager Nico Harrison, it’s that even the biggest moves stay under wraps,” Hughes writes. “That Dallas managed to move Luka Dončić without so much as the faintest tidbit of news leaking will forever remain incredible—and it should also keep everyone on their toes.”
Hughes continues, “Who’s to say the Mavs’ interest in KD was overstated? That organization keeps everything close to the vest. No one should put it past Dallas to announce that a Durant deal is done on the first day of the new league year.”
The two-time NBA champion also has a deep connection to Texas, where he played his one season of college basketball at the University of Texas in Austin before declaring for the NBA Draft.
Suns’ Owner Opens Up on Durant’s Future
Phoenix is on a two-game losing streak and holds a 30-36 record, putting the team in 11th place in the Western Conference. The Suns have struggled with consistency all season and will need to make a strong push to secure a play-in spot (2.5 games back of Dallas currently).
If the rumors come to fruition, it’s difficult to imagine the team without Durant’s presence. Suns owner Mat Ishbia expressed similar concerns in a recent interview, though he kept his comments vague.
“I’ll just say that we’re going to evaluate in the offseason,” Ishbia said. “We’re going to find a way to win, and it’s probably a lot easier winning with Kevin Durant than without him.”
“But at the same time, yes, if we’re not good enough in this iteration of the Phoenix Suns, we’re going to find a way to be better next year.”
The Suns will take on the Sacramento Kings at PHX Arena on Friday, with tipoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.