Nearly a decade after his departure, speculation about Kevin Durant returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder persists, with some oddsmakers even favoring the Thunder as his potential destination at age 35.
Durant has been involved in unsuccessful ventures lately. The Brooklyn Nets signed him and Kyrie Irving in 2019 but ended up trading away future prospects and depth to bring in James Harden, yielding no significant results.
Similarly, the Phoenix Suns attempted to acquire Durant via trade from the Nets, depleting their roster depth and future trade assets. Their failure to secure a championship leaves them at a crossroads in team-building, feeling like they’ve exhausted their options. A major move may be necessary for the Suns to contend again, but it’s uncertain if their current big three can achieve success.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon proposes that the Suns should consider moving on from Durant to expedite a potential rebuild or reload.
“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 said. “There would still be plenty of interest in Kevin Durant. My first phone call probably would be to his original home. 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.”
From a basketball perspective, Durant could seamlessly integrate into any system due to his versatile skill set and physique. However, there’s little indication that the Sam Presti’s Thunder would entertain such a trade considering his age.
Considering their flexibility, the Thunder possess significant draft capital and cap space, factors that trading for Durant would jeopardize.
Even if Durant were available at a bargain, the Thunder are in a strong position. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team boasts depth and talent, clinching a 57-25 record and the Western Conference’s top seed. With a first-round sweep and a second-round matchup on the horizon, the Thunder appear poised for success.
For numerous reasons, acquiring a 35-year-old Durant doesn’t align with the Thunder’s long-term goals. Their championship window seems wide open, and bringing in Durant could potentially shorten it.
