Phoenix could as nicely be asking for the solar.
The Spurs reportedly didn’t reply nicely to the Suns initially asking for reigning Rookie of the Yr Stephon Fort and/or the No. 2 decide within the upcoming NBA draft of their commerce talks for Phoenix star Kevin Durant, in response to former Spurs government Kirk Goldsberry.
“I do know our buddies in San Antonio assume the worth is simply too excessive,” Goldsberry, the group’s former vp of strategic analysis, stated on “The Zach Lowe Present” launched Tuesday.
“Within the unique discussions, together with the No. 2 decide and/or Stephon Fort, will not be going very nicely on the Spurs’ finish of the phone, I can inform you that.”
It’s seemingly a foregone conclusion that the Suns will commerce Durant this offseason and Phoenix could as nicely ask for the world for the 36-year-old.
The issue is the remainder of the league could have a special worth worth on the longer term Corridor of Famer and evidently’s the case.
The Suns could also be asking for an excessive amount of and compelled to change their calls for since they’ve “no leverage,” the Arizona Republic reported Tuesday morning.
Durant, whereas nonetheless an elite scorer, is older, missed time on account of damage final 12 months and has solely 12 months left on his deal.
Asking for Fort and/or the No. 2 decide is actually a considerable ask from the Spurs, who wish to construct a winner round Victor Wembanyama.
The No. 2 decide may very well be certainly one of Rutgers’ freshmen phenom duo in Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey, whereas Fort averaged 14.7 factors, 3.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists along with offering sturdy protection.
Durant needs to be traded to the Spurs, Rockets or Warmth, ESPN reported Saturday, however that doesn’t essentially assist the Suns because it’s doable the veteran might pressure his method to a group.
He reportedly has made it clear he doesn’t need to head to Minnesota.
With the NBA draft starting subsequent Wednesday, any deal involving a 2025 decide must be accomplished quickly and pundits have stated they count on a commerce briefly order.
The Suns shifting on from Durant would mark an underwhelming finish for the franchise’s two-and-a-half seasons using him.
Phoenix gained one playoff collection in his time, whereas being swept within the first spherical in one other and lacking the postseason altogether this 12 months.
