Suns predicted to cut ties with Kevin Durant via trade to Warriors Caleb Hightower •

The Phoenix Suns have crucial decisions to make before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. 

The organization may send a one-of-a-kind scorer and future Hall of Famer to the Golden State Warriors this season.

“The Golden State Warriors are grappling with an identity crisis during the 2024-25 season, sitting at a frustrating 19-19 despite Stephen Curry’s brilliance (22.6 points per game, and 6.1 assists per game),” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Sunday.

“The team has struggled to recapture its former dominance, with inconsistent play from its supporting cast and questions about whether the dynasty is nearing its end.”

“Not to mention, there is massive uncertainty about their roster and which players will remain with the team long-term.” 

“Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are facing turmoil of their own.” 

“Bradley Beal has been the subject of trade rumors all season and was recently benched, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding a roster that was once considered a championship contender.”

“As the Suns explore potential moves for stars like Jimmy Butler or a new center, Kevin Durant’s tenure in Phoenix has also been scrutinized.” 

“At 36 years old, Durant still boasts elite production (27.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game) but may need a change of scenery to salvage his career and compete for another title.” 

“A blockbuster trade idea sending Durant back to Golden State could rejuvenate both franchises—the Warriors would keep their dynasty alive, while the Suns gain valuable assets and flexibility for a much-needed reset.”

In Bitar’s trade proposal, the Suns would send Durant to the Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Kevon Looney, Lindy Waters III, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick.  

The Suns’ 2024-25 campaign has been disappointing thus far, but Durant is playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Durant, a 6-foot-10 wing known for tormenting defenders in various ways, leads the Suns in scoring through 38 games. 

The two-time NBA champion may want to stay in Phoenix, but reuniting with the Warriors, the franchise that helped elevate his career to new heights, isn’t out of the question. 

Curry desperately wants to play with another superstar before he retires, and if a LeBron James trade doesn’t come to fruition, Durant would be the next best superstar available.

Perhaps the Suns will move on from Durant this season, allowing Golden State to attempt a blockbuster trade for the 14-time All-Star.

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While the Phoenix Suns have time to turn their season around, they may start fresh as a franchise. 

Shockingly, the Suns could soon part ways with a dynamic 14-time All-Star.

“The only problem with the Suns trying to make a bold move is that the easiest one revolves around blowing up the roster,” Sir Charles in Charge’s wrote Thursday. 

“The only real path toward doing so is trading Kevin Durant. Since their 9-2 start to the season, the Suns are just 6-15.”

“Sure, injuries have played a big part in their disappointment so far this season but if this team hasn’t been able to play an extended stretch healthy in each of their past two seasons together, it would be equally foolish to expect that to suddenly change over the course of the second half of this season.”

“For the Suns, injuries have become a part of who they are. And they have had to learn to fight through them.”

“Even though they haven’t done a great job of doing so, it’s something that Phoenix knew it was going to have to live with. And the recent evidence suggests that they can’t do so. Or at least not effectively.”

“As the Suns continue to hover around the bottom of the Western Conference standings, blowing up this core has to be a conversation that the front office must at least consider.”

“They were disappointing during KD’s first season in Phoenix and even more so last year. If they continue down this road, there’s at least a chance the Suns will miss the playoffs entirely this season.”

“At some point, Phoenix may have to admit that this team is just not good. Can they have stretched in which they do look impressive?” 

“Absolutely. However, more often than not, the Suns have been a borderline disaster (especially considering the level of talent they have on their roster).”

“It may be time for some big changes in Phoenix. And the easiest path toward accomplishing that is by trading KD.”

While Durant has silenced his harshest critics to start the year, averaging nearly 30 points on above-average shooting splits, the Suns are a rhythmless 15-17 squad in early January. 

Durant clearly isn’t the problem in Phoenix, but the organization may declare its season finished by cutting ties with arguably its most skilled asset. 

With the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching, the Suns must decide whether to disassemble a roster with untapped potential.

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