Report: Hawks Pursued Trade for Suns Star Kevin Durant
PHOENIX — Another team in the previous pursuit of Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has been revealed.
According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Atlanta Hawks were looking to acquire Durant at the NBA’s trade deadline.
“One surprise team that pursued Durant hard at the trade deadline with other teams making calls to Phoenix was the Atlanta Hawks, sources said. The Hawks, who were also in trade discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans on a deal centered around Brandon Ingram before he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, have been searching for another star to play alongside Trae Young,” said Siegel.
“Could the Hawks take a massive gamble on Durant in the final year of his contract to try and figure things out quickly around Young? With Capela becoming a free agent and likely departing, along with other players on expiring contracts, it’s unlikely that Atlanta has the assets and money to make a trade for Durant.”
The Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were also heavily interested in acquiring Durant, per multiple reports.
Durant has just one year left on his contract in the desert after this season. The Suns are 35-39 and could miss the postseason entirely – Phoenix sits with the 11th seed entering Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets.
More from Siegel:
“With free agency expected to be underwhelming compared to previous offseasons with big names being on the move, the NBA trade market is where everything will heat up. There is no bigger name being discussed among league personnel ahead of the summer than Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant.
“Even at 36, Durant is still one of the best offensive players in the league. The scary thing is that he is showing no signs of slowing down and has continued to be arguably the most efficient jump shooter in the NBA.”
Celtics Connected to Suns Star Kevin Durant
By Donnie Druin
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant are heavily anticipated to split this summer, and another potential team has been linked to the future Hall of Fame forward.
Durant is a possible option for the Boston Celtics, according to FS1 analyst Nick Wright:
“I’m not Brian Windhorst and I’m not putting my fingers up but I will say: Two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don’t know, have said to me, ‘Watch out for Durant in Boston'” said Wright.
“I don’t even know the pieces that would work. And it feels a lot like what Durant got killed for with Golden State before – so it doesn’t make sense. But I’ve heard that twice now.”
Durant was nearly dealt at this past trade deadline to the Golden State Warriors before the player himself nixed the trade. The Minnesota Timberwolves also reportedly were heavily pursuing Durant.
With one year remaining on his deal after this season, Durant is sure to receive heavy interest around the league despite being towards the end of his career.
Bleacher Report says a Boston-Phoenix trade will just be too tough.
“As fun as it might be to imagine another one of NBA history’s top 15-20 players in Celtic green, it’s just not likely for Durant,” said Andy Bailey.
“On top of the financial hurdles, and even though KD is likely better than Brown right now, gutting a championship-caliber roster for a player approaching 40 doesn’t make a ton of sense.
“That isn’t to question Wright’s sources or reporting. Boston could well be kicking the idea around. Front offices are always looking at possibilities, contingencies, contingencies for contingencies, etc.
“But the chances of any of those leading to KD being a Celtic are slim, especially when other teams from around the league will likely be bidding on the superstar, too.”
We’ll see what unfolds this summer, though one of the league’s best teams gaining Durant would be quite the sight.
