Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Phoenix suns Exploring Options Amidst financial constraints

Phoenix Suns‘ management is reportedly evaluating trade scenarios for Kevin Durant, signaling a potential end to his tenure in Phoenix. Discussions with Durant’s buisness partner, Rich Kleiman, CEO of Boardroom, have occurred over the past week, exploring potential destinations for the star player. the Suns’ proximity to the NBA’s second apron, set at $207.8 million, complicates potential deals, limiting their flexibility in acquiring players via trade.Several teams have expressed interest in Durant, including the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, minnesota Timberwolves, and New York knicks, with other “wild-card suitors” also making inquiries, according to ESPN reports.

Potential Trade Destinations for Kevin Durant

Durant’s contract, entering its final year at $54.7 million,gives him leverage in the process.He can sign a two-year, $122 million extension with any team that trades for him. However,his willingness to extend could influence the assets teams are willing to offer. The Suns’ financial situation presents a notable hurdle. With $193.1 million already committed to Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and others for the 2025-26 season, they have limited space below the second apron. This restricts their ability to take back more salary then they send out in a trade and prevents them from acquiring players via sign-and-trade, per collective bargaining agreement rules.

Did You Know? the NBA’s second apron restricts teams from using the mid-level exception and trading cash in certain scenarios.

Financial Implications for the Suns

To gain more financial flexibility,the Suns could consider trading Grayson Allen ($16.9 million) or Royce O’Neale ($10.1 million). However,only the Brooklyn Nets have sufficient cap space to absorb allen without sending salary back. Salary-dumping O’Neale would further deplete the Suns’ roster depth. The Spurs, with roughly $43.5 million below the second apron, have the most straightforward path to acquiring durant without major financial obstacles. They would need to send out at least $43.6 million in salary to match Durant’s contract, potentially involving players like De’Aaron Fox or Devin Vassell.

Challenges for Other Interested Teams

Other teams face more complex scenarios. the Miami Heat, for example, might struggle to assemble a legal framework without involving a third team. The Timberwolves would need to reroute a player like Julius Randle or Jaden McDaniels to make the salaries align. The Knicks could trade Karl-Anthony Towns or a package of OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, but might need a third team to absorb a smaller contract.

Rockets as a Favorable Trade Partner

The Rockets,possessing their future first-round picks and ample cap space,emerge as a potentially ideal trade partner for the Suns. They could use Jalen Green or Dillon brooks as salary ballast,supplemented by younger players like Jabari Smith Jr.or Reed Sheppard. Unlike other suitors,the Rockets might not require a third team to facilitate the deal.

Pro Tip: Teams exceeding the second apron face significant restrictions on roster construction and trade flexibility.

Potential Trade Packages

As of June 20, 2024, here are potential trade packages for Kevin Durant:

Ultimately,Durant’s preferred destination will heavily influence the final outcome. The Suns and the chosen team will then need to navigate the complex financial rules to construct a viable trade.The Suns’ over-the-second-apron status adds complexity, requiring creative solutions to facilitate a deal.

What impact will these financial constraints have on the Suns’ ability to compete in the future?

How will Kevin Durant’s decision affect the balance of power in the NBA?

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