There’s a storm brewing in the NBA, and you can feel it in the air. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the winds of change begin to stir, hinting at something monumental on the horizon. This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s the unmistakable shift that precedes significant changes in the league. The Phoenix Suns are deep in trade negotiations, potentially parting ways with superstar Kevin Durant. If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time to turn on those notifications. We are entering a volatile window where breaking news can strike at any moment, and when it does, it will undoubtedly hit like a monsoon.
Just yesterday, I had a moment that encapsulated the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the Suns. As I climbed into my truck for a quick trip to the local Shell station—on a mission for a six-pack of Firestone Walker 805—my phone vibrated. The names “Shams Charania” and “Kevin Durant” illuminated my screen. My heart skipped a beat; for a brief second, I thought the trade had finally gone down, and the storm had officially arrived. But it was a false alarm. This moment served as a reminder that we are on the brink of something significant.
This past week has been dubbed “Kevin Durant Mock Trade Week” here at Bright Side. Our writing team has been tirelessly crafting mock trades, fully aware that predicting the deal that ultimately sends this 15-time All-Star out of Phoenix is akin to trying to catch lightning in a bottle. The NBA trade machine is intricate, laden with salary-matching rules, luxury tax constraints, and the increasing likelihood of third and even fourth teams entering the mix. However, complexity has never deterred us from diving headfirst into the challenge and having a little fun along the way.
We aimed to explore just how far Kevin Durant’s value could stretch and how the Suns might reshape their future in the process. As mock trade week wraps up, we now turn the floor over to you, our readers. Below is a compilation of every proposed deal we generated, each crafted with creativity, analytical insight, and a sprinkle of wishful thinking. Now it’s your turn to weigh in: give each trade a letter grade based on what the Suns would receive in return, vote on which deal you think is the most realistic, and tell us which one you’d most want to see Phoenix pull the trigger on.
Suns receive: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (10th)
Rockets receive: Kevin Durant, 2025 First-Round Pick (29th)
From John Voita: “This trade injects much-needed youth and flexibility into a veteran-heavy lineup. By acquiring Green, Smith, and the No. 10 pick, the Suns gain three assets that can be developed, moved, or leveraged for future deals. Green could be flipped down the line for a player more aligned with the franchise’s long-term vision, or packaged in a multi-team deal. Ultimately, it’s about breaking up the KD contract and restoring flexibility.”
Suns receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 1st Round Pick (14th)
Spurs receive: Kevin Durant
From John Voita: “Is it a perfect trade? No. Perfection is unattainable in this situation. However, envisioning the best possible outcome is crucial, one that balances short-term needs with long-term growth. While this may not make the Suns ultra-competitive next season, it could allow them to embrace a soft rebuild and aim for competitiveness in two to three years.”
Suns receive: Lauri Markkanen, 2025 First Round Pick (14th)
Jazz receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 First Round Pick (2nd)
Spurs receive: Kevin Durant, John Collins, 2025 First Round Pick (5th)
From Bruce Veliz: “Bringing Lauri Markkanen to Phoenix adds another scoring option on the wing to complement Booker. At 7’0”, Markkanen can fill a role similar to Durant’s, even if his production doesn’t entirely replicate KD’s. His impressive numbers over recent seasons suggest he could thrive in a more prominent role.”
Suns receive: Lauri Markkanen, Ivica Zubac
Jazz receive: Norman Powell, Grayson Allen, Derrick Jones Jr., 2029 First Round Pick (via PHX), 2030 First Round Pick (via LAC)
Clippers receive: Kevin Durant
From John Voita: “For the Suns, this trade focuses on balance and size. By moving on from Durant, they can acquire Markkanen and Zubac, addressing their longstanding need for interior presence. This isn’t a reset; it’s a recalibration. The Clippers may want to capitalize on Zubac's peak while trading for Durant’s pedigree.”
Suns receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, 2025 1st Round Pick (9th)
Raptors receive: Kevin Durant
From Holden Sherman: “The Suns' key acquisitions in this deal would be Poeltl and the ninth pick. Poeltl would be their best big man since Deandre Ayton, providing a reliable interior presence that has been lacking. Averaging a career-high 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, Poeltl offers a significant upgrade for Phoenix.”
Suns receive: Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley
Timberwolves receive: Kevin Durant
From John Voita: “Randle is a strong power forward with flashes of dominance, while Conley brings steadiness. DiVincenzo is a culture-setting player who defends aggressively. This trade is about more than just next season; it’s about resetting the franchise and reimagining what the Phoenix Suns can become.”
Suns receive: Jordan Poole, Marcus Smart, Richaun Holmes, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Saddiq Bey
Wizards receive: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal
From Rod Argent: “While this trade may seem unlikely for Washington, it provides a solid return for Durant and helps the Suns get under the second tax apron. It even makes sense thematically, sending both KD and Beal ‘home’ to D.C.”
Which path feels most likely for the Suns? And which trade should they pursue? There’s a significant difference between what’s probable and what’s right. The choices ahead will reveal much about the organization’s direction. Can they maximize their return on Durant? Is Brian Gregory the savvy negotiator this front office needs? Are they considering a soft reset or aiming for another max-contract star? Perhaps they’re looking to break Durant’s contract into smaller, more flexible pieces to regain control over their salary cap. The draft capital they can recover will also impact their decision-making process.
These questions—and the ripple effects that follow—could begin to take shape as early as next week, coincidentally on Father’s Day. If history is any indication, that date carries weight; it was last Father’s Day, in 2023, when the Beal Deal changed the course of this franchise forever. So keep your eyes peeled and your phones ready. A new chapter in Phoenix Suns history may be just hours away from being written.
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