Despite the Phoenix Suns’ decision to keep superstar forward Kevin Durant through the trade deadline, trade speculation surrounding the NBA All-Star continues to swirl. With the Suns struggling and their playoff hopes dwindling, talks about a potential shake-up in the upcoming offseason have intensified, leading to intriguing possibilities for Durant’s future. In a recent segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” pundit Stephen A. Smith highlighted one particular destination that could make waves in the league.
Smith, known for his bold opinions and insider knowledge, suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder should make a move to acquire Durant. This may seem like a surprising suggestion, as Durant spent the first eight years of his career with the Thunder before joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016. However, Smith believes that a reunion between Durant and his former team could be just what the Thunder need to become legitimate title contenders once again.
The Thunder have had a rollercoaster of a season, with a record of 15-21 and currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite having one of the league’s most dynamic duos in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, the team has struggled to find consistency and has faced numerous injuries to key players. Smith believes that adding Durant to the mix could be the missing piece that could turn the Thunder’s fortunes around.
Durant, who is currently in his second year with the Brooklyn Nets, has a player option in his contract for the 2022-23 season, meaning he could potentially become a free agent this summer. Smith argues that the Thunder should seize this opportunity and make a strong pitch to bring the 11-time All-Star back to Oklahoma City, a move that could potentially create a powerhouse team in the Western Conference.
But why would Durant consider returning to the team he left in 2016? Smith points to the fact that the Thunder now have a new head coach in Mark Daigneault, who has proven to be a strong player development coach and could help elevate Durant’s game even further. Additionally, the Thunder have a plethora of young and talented players that could complement Durant’s skill set, including Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, and rookie Aleksej Pokusevski.
Furthermore, the Thunder have the necessary assets to make a trade for Durant possible. They currently have a multitude of draft picks and young players that could entice the Nets to make a deal. The Thunder also have the salary cap space to absorb Durant’s hefty contract, making it a feasible trade scenario.
Of course, there are also potential obstacles in making this trade a reality. One major hurdle could be Durant’s relationship with Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, who is now with the Washington Wizards. The two were once considered one of the best duos in the league and led the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, but their relationship became strained towards the end of Durant’s tenure in Oklahoma City. However, Smith believes that both players have matured and could put their differences aside for the sake of winning.
Another challenge could be convincing Durant to leave a championship-caliber team like the Nets for a struggling Thunder team. However, Durant has proven to be a player who follows his own path, and a return to Oklahoma City could be an opportunity for him to cement his legacy and lead a young team to success.
In conclusion, Smith’s suggestion may seem far-fetched at first, but upon closer examination, it presents an interesting possibility for both Durant and the Thunder. With the potential to create a dynamic and talented team, the addition of Durant could be just what the Thunder need to become serious contenders in the Western Conference once again. Only time will tell if this trade speculation becomes a reality, but one thing is for sure – the NBA world will be watching closely.
