Kevin Durant could stay with the Phoenix Suns because of... Giannis Antetokounmpo!

It seemed like an inevitable conclusion that when the season ended after missing the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns would move forward with a trade involving Kevin Durant. Reports had been confirmed earlier at the trade deadline; talks were already happening with other teams, mainly the Golden State Warriors. Once the Suns were officially eliminated from the postseason race, rumors that Durant's time in Phoenix was almost over gained more traction. A trade is still expected from Phoenix. However, now that Giannis Antetokounmpo may be seeking his own trade, that development could cause a pause in Phoenix.

Several teams have been linked to KD throughout the 2024-25 season and currently. While the Warriors were once the number one prospect, the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have also emerged as potential trade partners. Durant's trade is the result of an underperforming trio formed by him, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Playoff failure and unmet expectations sank the Suns' ship.

Although it is still likely that Phoenix will reach an agreement to trade Durant, things could change, and Durant could stay. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, keeping Durant has not been completely ruled out.

The other factor at play is what happens with Giannis, who, in the last two weeks, hinted at being open to testing the NBA waters and leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. Of course, any departure from Milwaukee would involve a massive trade. Giannis holds the cards at the moment, and the league, along with Phoenix, may have to sit and wait to see what unfolds. Until then, Durant remains with the Suns. Who knows how that situation will play out?

The Standstill it would cause for the Suns

Let's assume that the development with Giannis somehow shakes up the NBA to the point where the Suns cannot negotiate with Durant or decide they are better off with him than without. Recent history shows it hasn't worked out with Durant or Booker, and to a lesser extent, Beal. Having two players of Durant and Booker's pedigree on the same team would form an undeniable contender. That would be the expectation. However, Phoenix has been anything but a contender. Injuries have also played a significant role, and missed time has somewhat sabotaged the Suns' contention.

Phoenix has no way to bolster its roster. Their depth has been an issue for two seasons. Since they have few or no draft assets, refreshing their depth is not as easy. For Phoenix to improve as a franchise, trading Durant is the sacrifice they must make. Beal's no-trade clause doesn't help either. Why Phoenix is waiting for the Giannis shoe to drop makes sense. But if they plan on trying to keep Durant and figuring out how to make it work, it's a risky move. Lately, risky moves haven't worked in favor of the Suns.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kevin Durant podría quedarse en Phoenix Suns por culpa de... ¡Giannis Antetokounmpo!