After surprisingly being linked to Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, the San Antonio Spurs could potentially make a huge draft day trade to improve the roster. Phoenix Suns insider John Gambinaro reports that the Spurs have been discussing the framework of a blockbuster Durant trade.
Via @Gambo987 of Arizona Sports radio 98.7 FM saying people in Kevin Durant’s camp are eyeing San Antonio as a likely landing spot. #PorVida #NBA #SanAntonio pic.twitter.com/aoriqAOH0g
— JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) June 4, 2025
The proposed deal would send Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, and the 14th overall pick in this year's draft for Durant. San Antonio is in desperate need of shooting, and Durant, of course, is one of the five best shooters in the NBA. Not to mention that he is a dominant scorer, having averaged an impressive 26.8 points per game, even at the age of 36.
Putting him next to Victor Wembanyama, who is also Wembanyama's idol, would be a huge get for San Antonio as a result. Nevertheless, they could be making a big mistake.
The Spurs should reconsider who they trade for Kevin Durant
Barnes was previously acquired from the Sacramento Kings last offseason and proved to be an under-the-radar audition.
Barnes was thrust into the starting lineup and started all 82 games for the Spurs this season, averaging 12.3 points while shooting 43.3% from three on 4.4 3-point attempts per game. While his numbers don't jump off the page, his impact was massive. In San Antonio's three most played lineups with Barnes, the Spurs had an average net rating of plus 11.7.
Instead of including Barnes in the trade, they should include Keldon Johnson instead. Not only should San Antonio be considering putting Johnson in the trade, they should be pushing to add third-year player Malaki Branham as well.
He was a former first-round pick but has failed to make an impact on the Spurs thus far. Moving him in the potential deal would keep them from having to waive him and pay him his $4.9 million salary for the 2025-26 season. From the Suns' perspective, they wouldn't be losing anything from reshuffling the deal.
Swapping out Harrison Barnes for Keldon Johnson makes sense
Johnson is seven years younger, is making slightly less than Barnes, and averaged 12.7 points in just 23.7 minutes. He played even better during the second half of the season, averaging 14.8 points on impressive efficiency.
He just doesn't make as much sense on the Spurs any longer considering that he isn't nearly as good of a shooter. Moreover, San Antonio can't afford to swap out Barnes' shooting for Durant's when they would be better off having both in their rotation.
Ultimately, San Antonio trading for Durant makes plenty of sense, though they should consider who they move in the proposed deal. If they can swap out Barnes for Johnson and Branham, then the potential deal makes all the more sense for the Spurs without being a major drawback for the Suns.