Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
A notable Philadelphia 76ers believes Kevin Durant would be the missing piece to a serious title contender in 2024-25, and he very well could be available this summer, however, there is one massive problem that would likely sink any potential deal.
Heading into the NBA games today the 76ers are on a roll. They have won six straight and are now just a game away from avoiding having to play in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The best part of it all is that team leader and reigning MVP Joel Embiid is back in the fold and they seem primed to make some noise in the 2024 NBA playoffs.
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Nevertheless, some around the NBA have their doubts about how far Philly will go and that they are still one big impact player away from being a serious title contender. That’s why there has been growing speculation that the organization will target impending free agent Paul George this summer.
In a recent conversation with Sportsnaut, Philadelphia Inquirer NBA reporter Keith Pompey was asked about the Paul George rumors and he believes the nine-time All-Star may not be a good fit due to his injury history and the always tough Philly fanbase. However, another option could be a blockbuster trade for league legend Kevin Durant.
With the Suns struggling this season despite three superstar scorers, there have been rumblings Phoenix could blow things up this summer. The 14-time All-Star is the type of player the 76ers are looking for but Pompey claims there would be one major problem with any trade despite Durant being a “great” fit for the team.
“I think if Kevin Durant came [it would be a great fit], but the only problem is I don’t know who they would want off the Sixers roster outside of Embiid and Maxey,” he said. “But the thing is, if they got Kevin Durant I think this would be a quality team because you’ve got it on three different levels. Kevin Durant would be a great one but you would probably have to do a sign-and-trade or do some other things, but would you trade him for Tobias Harris if you’re the Phoenix Suns? Or Kelly Oubre?
“I don’t think that’s going to happen, but he would be great.”
Another potential problem for the 76ers in a deal is that they have no first-round picks in 2025 or 2027. And the extra first-rounders they own in 2028 and 2029 may not appeal to the Suns this summer.
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