While many believe the Phoenix Suns are open to the idea of trading Kevin Durant to blow up what has been a disappointing roster and shed payroll, a notable NBA insider claims they have a different motive for the move.
This has been a very disappointing season for the Phoenix Suns. Heading into their game on Wednesday night against the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, they are just one game over .500. And a game away from missing the playoffs if the season ended today.
Also Read: Where do the Phoenix Suns land in our latest NBA power rankings?
In the summer, the front office hoped that former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer would be able to get much more from a roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, just like Frank Vogel before him, he has failed to turn this very expensive group into an NBA title contender.
That is why it may not be surprising to some when rumors emerged earlier this week that the club is taking offers on a potential Kevin Durant trade. For a second straight season, this group has disappointed, so it makes sense to blow it all up and start from scratch by moving their valuable pieces for draft assets and younger players.
However, on Tuesday night, NBA insider Jake Fischer explained the real goal the Suns have in trading the future Hall-of-Famer.
- Kevin Durant stats (2024-25): 26.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 40% 3PT
Phoenix Suns want to trade Kevin Durant so they can get Jimmy Butler?
“One reason for the significant uptick in Durant chatter, sources said, is that trading him appears to be the only way for Phoenix to acquire Miami’s Jimmy Butler before Thursday’s deadline,” Fischer wrote in a new Stein Line post.
The Miami Heat star has been linked to the Phoenix Suns for weeks. And recent reports have claimed that is the only team he wants to go to before the trade deadline. But Bradley Beal would need to waive his no-trade clause to get a deal done. He has shown no inclination to do that. And multiple teams would need to be added to the deal because Miami doesn’t want the oft-injured former All-Star.
- Jimmy Butler stats (2024-25): 17.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 36% 3PT
So why would the Suns trade Durant just to then get Butler? Wouldn’t they be far better by having both players instead of one or the other? Those around the franchise can’t seem to explain the reasoning either.
“Why would the Suns want Butler if they no longer have Durant on the roster? No one asked by The Stein Line has been able to furnish a good answer to that question,” Fischer wrote. “But rumbles persist that a scenario that transports Butler from South Beach to the desert — with Durant moving back to the Bay Area — is indeed in play.”
Butler reportedly wants to sign a new long-term deal with the Suns following a trade, and the team’s owner — Matt Ishbia — is believed to be high on bringing in the six-time All-Star.
Also Read: Where does Kevin Durant land in our rankings of the 50 best NBA players right now?