The disappointing Phoenix Suns are still in the playoff race and have a good chance to make the play-in tournament, but this year could be the last season for one of their stars. Kevin Durant is expected to be traded this summer, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
With the Suns having failed to compete for a championship with him in the year and a half he's been in Phoenix. With Durant getting up in age and Phoenix financially limited due to the collective bargaining agreement and the luxury tax, moving him this summer seems inevitable
However, while it may be inevitable, the asking price for the 36-year-old Durant wasn't widely known until now. According to AZCentral, Duane Rankin, Phoenix is seeking four first-round picks and a young player in a potential Durant deal this summer.
The trade would also have to give them below the luxury tax, allowing them breathing room to make other moves, potentially including trading Bradley Beal. Getting four firsts and a young prospect seems far-fetched for Durant, considering his age. After all, superstar Luka Doncic didn't get anywhere near that much, and he is 10 years younger.
NBA Rumors: The Phoenix Suns seek a massive trade haul for Kevin Durant.
More realistically, the Suns could potentially get two firsts and a young player for Durant, provided they take back bad salary. After all, playoff teams are likely the only ones who will have an interest in him, and few playoff teams have four firsts to offer, let alone $55 million in matching salary.
The San Antonio Spurs could meet those demands, but they probably wouldn't pay that much for Durant considering that De'Aaron Fox came much cheaper. The Oklahoma City Thunder could too, but they may not be interested in a reunion with Durant while gutting their depth in the process.
The Golden State Warriors nearly traded for Durant at the trade deadline, but he declined a mid-season trade, though he appears open to returning. The problem is that they already traded their big expendable contract in Andrew Wiggins to acquire Jimmy Butler.
Also, Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II have about $17 million in expiring contracts that will go to waste once they hit free agency. Barring a sign-and-trade involving Jonathan Kuminga, it may be difficult for Golden State to match salaries for Durant without having to give up a member of their core.
Overall, the Suns may be expecting a huge haul for Durant. However, given his age and the teams that could potentially be interested, they are unlikely to find an offer anywhere near what they are expecting.
Factor in that Durant will likely have a say in where he goes next, and the Suns may have to settle for two firsts and matching salaries. Given that they are handcuffed as currently constructed, they may have to take what they can get for him and move on.