Jason Burgos
Despite adding superstar Kevin Durant at the NBA trade deadline, it seems the Phoenix Suns are not done adding veteran stars for a run to the finals in the spring.
On Thursday, the Phoenix Suns introduced Durant to a raucous crowd at the Footprint Center. While the organization gave up some talented players like Mikal Bridgers and Cam Johnson in the deal for the 13-time All-Star, the move immediately made them a top pick among odds makers to reach the NBA Finals in June.
However, since they did weaken their depth in the blockbuster deal, the team could still be on the hunt for players that could give them a leg up in their championship pursuits. And a recent edict handed down from new owner Matt Ishbia makes Phoenix a serious competitor for any player available.
Related: Heat expected to pursue Kevin Love when a buyout is finalized with Cavaliers
Fortunately for the Phoenix Suns, several worthwhile players will soon hit the free agent market after receiving buyouts from their current teams, and it seems that one player in particular interests the organization.
Phoenix Suns could join chase for Kevin Love in NBA free agency
While one-time league MVP Russell Westbrook has gotten a lot of attention as a top name on the buyout market, it was reported on Wednesday that five-time All-Star Kevin Love is expected to be available to the highest bidder soon after receiving a buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Following the news, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst made an appearance on the sports talk show “Pardon the Interruption” and revealed the two top teams in the hunt for Love.
“I had two or three teams immediately call me looking for background information on Love and I’m sure that they were already doing their research with the primary sources. I think Miami is very interested in him. They need size and shooting. I think Phoenix, where James Jones was his teammate on the 2016 Cavs title team, is interested in him.”
– Brian Windhorst (h/t Hoops Hype)
A key factor that Windhorst also mentioned is that the Cavaliers could play the Heat in the NBA playoffs, so there very well could be an agreement added to a buyout where Love must sign with a team in the Western Conference — like the Phoenix Suns.
- Kevin Love stats (2022-2023): 8.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 ASPG, 39% 3PT
Following a strong season as the team’s sixth man in 2021-2022, Kevin Love fell out of the rotations recently and asked for a buyout from the Cavaliers.
