Kevin Durant's future with the Phoenix Suns is far from certain. The Suns are in a tough spot, dealing with the second tax apron, limited trade assets, and no draft picks. While Devin Booker remains the franchise cornerstone and Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause, that leaves Durant as the major trade chip.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes floated an exciting idea: sending Durant back to the Golden State Warriors, the team where he won two championships. The proposed trade wouldn't come cheap for the Warriors—they'd have to give up Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and a 2025 draft pick to land Durant.
Hughes reasoned, "Stephen Curry has two more years on his deal, and it seems clear the organization is committed to surrounding him with a competitive team. Durant will turn 36 before next season starts and comes with health risks, but he's probably the more valuable short-term contributor than Kuminga, Wiggins, or Moody...The Suns are extremely expensive, inflexible, and in for a long stretch of ugly seasons if and when their three max players decline or break up. A Durant trade is the only way to soften the landing over the latter half of this decade."
The Warriors are definitely on the lookout for ways to enhance their roster this summer. Missing the postseason this year has undoubtedly ramped up the urgency within the front office. This urgency is only going to increase as Steph Curry ages. Bringing Durant back would instantly boost Golden State's contention hopes.
Whether the Warriors are willing to part with Kuminga remains a key question. Kuminga has shown the potential to become the future star of the franchise. However, to bring in one of the greatest forwards in history, some sacrifices are necessary.
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