One day before Christmas gifts would be unwrapped, the familiar voice of Adrian Wojnarowski struck cold fear in the heart of the Phoenix Suns. While on a show, the seasoned insider claimed Kevin Durant is growing frustrated with the franchise for its lack of depth. This comes at a time when the Suns are shaky, Beal is out with an ankle injury, and Devin Booker has missed significant games. In these circumstances, KD is left standing alone.
It is much like his stint with the Brooklyn Nets. The Slim Reaper had to carry the burden while his two supporting stars barely played. The Suns, who added Beal as an addition in the offseason were looked on as the most lethal offensive trio in the entire NBA. Considering their exploits, it’s an apt conclusion with those three names on the same side. However, misfortune has played a major role in their story so far.
The new ‘Big 3’ which Booker hyped up to be ‘unstoppable’ only made its debut two weeks ago and in a loss. Since that day, Beal has picked up another injury, further halting the presence of the Suns’ remarkable scoring alliance.
Taking these facts in, NBA fans’ sixth sense tells them another trade saga is in the works. As teams put their brains together in an attempt to satisfy a frustrated Durant, many suitors have emerged. One could pair him with his biggest rival – LeBron James.
Lakers can land Kevin Durant?
For the majority of this generation, James and Durant have been mentioned side by side. There has never been a convincing ‘best player on the planet’ from these two. It had always been a battle and each time the fans watched in awe. The two have faced each other countless times and are now familiar with each other’s game.
So what if two barbarians of basketball were to get together?
That’s what was proposed by Heavy Sports. Taureen Prince, Rui Hachimura, D’Lo, Christie, and draft capital would make the package for the Slim Reaper’s arrival.
USA Today via Reuters
If in some realm of possibility, this does happen, the ceiling is endless. Durant is one of the greatest offensive minds of all time. So imagine a three-dimensional scorer paired up with a steaming 6’8″ forward having sensational court vision and an indomitable big man who anchors the entire defense. The tangibles make the combination look venomous. Not many will be able to outlast the trio of AD, KD, and the King.
The Los Angeles Lakers would become instant title favorites.
On one end there is the lurking concern of stopping Durant before he gets easy looks. If they send a double it leaves LeBron James to drive to the rim. If both these fail, the legendary forward has to find Anthony Davis in a crowd of only three, light work considering James’ impeccable vision.
The real question of course is – can it really happen?
Durant isn’t going anywhere
As much as any reports claim Kevin Durant is frustrated, he doesn’t seem to wear any emotions on his sleeve. Alone or not, he has stuck himself out for the Phoenix Suns. Even when he had to play those 40-minute games, the Reaper has done it. He has devoted himself to the culture the franchise boasts. Moreover, after Woj’s comments, he responded to a fan’s comment hinting that the news was untrue.
In the since-deleted comment, he said, “Woj says somebody else ‘feels’ that I’m frustrated and it turned into me being mentally checked out. This s— crazy, these people can flat out lie on my name and make s— up and you people will believe it but when my teammates and coaches speak on how I am as a teammate, u ignore it lol,”
USA Today via Reuters
Apart from debunking Durant’s current state of mind with regard to the Suns, a trade like this doesn’t make sense for either side. Both the Lakers and the Suns have a championship window that isn’t long. They have to work around LeBron James and Durant respectively if they ever hope to win a championship.
In inviting Durant, the Lakers are taking a major gamble. Firstly, the trade package will surely demand more. It will have to involve Austin Reaves, a fan favorite who holds an indispensable place in the Lakers side. Secondly, it would further reduce the Lakers’ championship window given James and Durant’s age.
A team-up in Hollywood is simply not going to happen. As much as we want to see KD and James sharing the court, it can’t be made possible. Both teams have their presents to think about. For each, these two megastars are a must to lift a trophy.
Do you think Durant will move again? Let us know in the comments below.