Kevin Durant is Proving Why the Suns Should Not Even Consider Trading Him
Since Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns in February 2023, the team has been eager to make a significant leap into championship contention. After a rocky start to the season, Durant’s performance in Phoenix has proven that he’s still one of the NBA’s most dominant players. As the Suns continue to build their roster for future success, there’s been ongoing speculation about whether Durant’s age and contract situation might lead the franchise to consider moving him. However, recent performances have shown exactly why trading Durant would be a huge mistake for the Suns.
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Durant, who turns 36 years old in September 2024, has had a long and storied career, with multiple championships, MVPs, and countless accolades to his name. Yet, despite his age, Durant continues to play at an elite level. His versatility, scoring ability, and leadership have made him the center of the Suns’ offense. If Phoenix wants to remain a true contender, they should stick with Durant as the face of the franchise. Here’s a closer look at why trading Durant could be one of the worst decisions Phoenix could make.
Durant’s Impact on the Suns’ Championship Aspirations
When Durant was traded to the Suns, the franchise was hoping that his addition to a roster already featuring Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton would propel them into championship contention. Early on, there were some growing pains as the Suns had to adjust to Durant’s presence, but over time, it has become evident that his skills are essential to the team’s title hopes. Durant’s scoring ability alone makes the Suns an elite team, but his all-around game and leadership in crucial moments have elevated the Suns to another level.
Durant has the rare ability to change the dynamics of a game with his scoring prowess. Whether it’s hitting clutch jumpers, finishing at the rim, or creating opportunities for teammates, Durant is a consistent offensive threat that the Suns cannot afford to lose. His presence allows Devin Booker more freedom to operate as a secondary scorer and playmaker, reducing the pressure on Booker to carry the offense on his own. Durant also provides veteran leadership and poise in high-stress situations, which the Suns have often lacked in their recent postseason disappointments.
With Durant, the Suns are a legitimate championship contender. Trading him would not only undermine their chances to win a title but also send a message to their fan base that the franchise is not fully committed to winning in the short term. Durant has the potential to lead this team to an NBA Finals appearance, but without him, the Suns’ championship window would close much quicker.
Durant’s Consistency and Durability
One of the primary concerns when trading for a player of Durant’s age is whether he can maintain his level of performance throughout a full season, especially given the history of injuries he’s had in the past. However, Durant’s resilience and ability to stay productive have been a testament to his physical conditioning and mental toughness.
After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in 2019, many wondered if Durant could ever return to his former level of play. But not only has he come back strong, he’s arguably playing some of the best basketball of his career. Durant has been remarkably consistent in terms of both his scoring and overall production, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve with age. His versatility on offense and defense has allowed the Suns to use him in various roles, whether as a primary scorer, facilitator, or defender.
Durant has also shown that he can stay relatively healthy, even at this point in his career. While the Suns have been cautious with his minutes and load management to ensure he doesn’t experience a major injury setback, Durant has been effective and reliable when on the court. Phoenix needs a player of his caliber if they’re going to compete with the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks, all of whom boast championship-winning rosters.
Trading Durant would not only be a significant blow to the Suns’ championship hopes but would also send the message that they’re not willing to give themselves the best chance to win now. His health and durability are more than adequate to justify keeping him for the foreseeable future.
Durant’s Leadership: A Veteran Who Can Guide the Suns
Leadership is one of Kevin Durant’s most valuable traits, especially when it comes to playoff basketball. The Suns have had their fair share of disappointments in the postseason, but Durant’s presence brings a level of maturity and experience that Phoenix has lacked in past years. His two NBA championships and multiple deep playoff runs make him an invaluable asset when it comes to guiding younger players and keeping the team focused under pressure.
Chris Paul, another veteran leader on the Suns, has been a stabilizing force for Phoenix, but Durant brings a different dimension of leadership. He’s a player who has proven he can close out big games and deliver in the most critical moments. Durant’s ability to maintain his composure in high-pressure situations is something that can rub off on his teammates, particularly Booker and Ayton, who are still finding their way in the postseason spotlight.
With a player like Durant leading the charge, the Suns have a far better chance of advancing in the playoffs and potentially winning an NBA title. Phoenix is in the midst of its most exciting window for a championship, and having a player with Durant’s leadership abilities will be crucial in navigating the intense playoff atmosphere.
The Phoenix Suns’ Window of Opportunity
The Suns’ championship window is wide open, but it won’t stay that way for long. With players like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton still in their primes and Chris Paul on the back end of his career, Phoenix’s title hopes are tied to a balance of star power, veteran leadership, and team chemistry. Durant, being one of the top players in the league, is central to this equation. Without him, the Suns would be left with an extremely talented core but lacking that top-tier superstar who can consistently dominate when the stakes are highest.
Trading Durant could jeopardize the Suns’ chances of maximizing their championship window. While Phoenix does have assets to work with in the form of young players and draft picks, it’s not guaranteed that the return for Durant would equal the value he provides on the court. Moving him would force Phoenix to take a step backward in their quest for an NBA title, which could have long-term consequences on the team’s trajectory.
Additionally, with the depth and competition in the Western Conference, the Suns need Durant to stay competitive. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors aren’t slowing down anytime soon, and the Suns can’t afford to lose their best player in a trade that might not make them better in the short or long run.
What Would the Suns Get in Return?
Another reason the Suns should not trade Kevin Durant is the uncertainty surrounding what they would receive in return. Durant is a top-tier player who provides an elite level of scoring, defense, and leadership—assets that are difficult to replace. Any potential trade would likely involve sending away multiple valuable players and draft picks, which might not guarantee the Suns a player of Durant’s caliber in return.
While the Suns could potentially acquire a package of assets, there’s no certainty that it would make the team better. The Suns would have to go through the growing pains of integrating new players into their system, which could set them back in their pursuit of a championship. Moreover, losing Durant’s scoring, leadership, and defensive capabilities would create a significant hole in the team’s core, one that would be difficult to fill in the short term.
Conclusion: Kevin Durant is Essential to the Suns’ Future
Kevin Durant’s time with the Phoenix Suns has shown exactly why trading him would be a huge mistake. His scoring, leadership, and ability to elevate the Suns’ championship hopes make him indispensable to the franchise’s future. Trading Durant could set the team back, disrupting their current trajectory and making it harder to compete with the elite teams in the league.
The Suns are at the beginning of an exciting era with Durant, Booker, and Ayton, and they should look to build on that foundation rather than break it apart. Durant’s experience, durability, and ability to perform in clutch moments make him the type of player Phoenix needs to finally secure an NBA championship. Instead of considering a trade, the Suns should be focused on strengthening the roster around Durant and giving themselves the best shot at success in the years to come.
