The NBA’s free agency period has slowed down a bit, but one of the biggest storylines this summer is ongoing. Since requesting a trade, many wonder what star forward Kevin Durant’s next move is.
With Durant being one of the NBA’s biggest stars, any team would be happy to have him. But some have better odds than others. Here are the top five teams that could land Kevin Durant.
1.) The Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are one of the best teams in the West. They reached the NBA Finals in 2020-21, where they nearly beat the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the Bucks won in six games. The Suns had a great regular 2021-22 season, but their playoff performance was underwhelming. They were knocked out in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, who beat them 123-90 in Phoenix.
The Suns are on the verge of being a championship team, but they are missing something. They have a star in Devin Booker, and his backcourt mate Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards of all time. But with a player like Durant, the Suns are nearly unstoppable.
Durant named the Suns as one of his desired teams, and they could pull off a deal. With Deandre Ayton’s future in the air, the Suns could use him in a sign-and-trade. But as it stands, there is no deal in place.
The Suns are a team to watch out for in the Durant sweepstakes, and if they get him, they are a tough team to beat.
2.) The Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are another team on Durant’s radar. Miami had a good 2021-22 season, as they were the first seed of the East. They beat the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Boston Celtics stopped them in their tracks. The Celtics beat them 4-3.
The Heat are a talented team. They have a star/veteran in Jimmy Butler, and young talent like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. But they could still use another player.
Durant would be a gamechanger for the Heat, and just the player they need to become a legitimate contender. However, they do not have the flexibility other teams have. If the Heat acquire Durant, they’ll have to give up someone like Adebayo. So, it will be interesting to see what they offer.
3.) The Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are the 2022 NBA champions. They have overcome obstacles, including missing the playoffs for two years, and came back like they never left. And, come next year, they could have a familiar face on their team.
Durant joined the Warriors in 2016 and won two championships with them. Then, he left the Warriors to join the Nets in 2019. The Warriors are a balanced team. They have their veterans in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, but have young players on the rise. Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga are some of the young talent on the Warriors, and if a Durant-Warriors reunion were to happen, they would likely have to part with some of them.
The Warriors are in good shape, and while they are a long shot to acquire Durant, it is still a possibility.
4.) The Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a young team on the rise. They have the reigning Rookie of the Year in Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, OG Anuoby and more. In other words, the Raptors have valuable players that the Nets can use towards a rebuild. But would Durant be willing to join Toronto without these players?
The Raptors are a playoff team again, and a player like Durant could take them far. Hey, Kawhi Leonard did it.
5.) Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are on the verge of a rebuild. But they still have their star player Damian Lillard. Lillard needs help, and what better help than Durant? Recently, Lillard made headlines after he posted an image of him and Durant in a photoshopped Blazers jersey. Could this really happen? The Blazers are not in trade talks with the Nets, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they land Durant.
Durant is one of the most sought-after players in the league right now, and wherever he ends up, that team is the team to beat.