Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Kevin Durant Back To Thunder, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey And Jaylin Williams To Suns

One NBA analyst proposed that the Oklahoma City Thunder reunite with old friend Kevin Durant this offseason. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Thunder and Phoenix Suns:

The trade: The Phoenix Suns trade Kevin Durant to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Jaylin Williams, the No. 12 pick, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick (via DAL) and a 2029 first-round pick

Durant will make $49.9 million next season and $53.3 million in 2025-26. The NBA legend, who began his career with the Thunder, averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season while shooting 52.3% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 85.6% from the free-throw line.

“Oklahoma City, meanwhile, reunites with Durant and banks on his ability to fill the second-scorer’s void alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,” Buckley wrote. “This supporting cast would still be loaded around him—virtually the entire roaster offers upward mobility—and there would even be enough draft picks left over to either pursue additional upgrades on the trade market or keep the pipeline open to young, cost-controlled talent.”

The Suns went 49-33 during the regular season but were swept in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Meanwhile, the Thunder lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. They had the best record in the West. 

Since leaving the Golden State Warriors, Durant has won only two playoff series. He’s been swept twice in the first round of the postseason. 

One of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Durant has career averages of 27.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He won four scoring titles and one MVP with the Thunder. 

“Forgive us for remaining skeptical that Phoenix is fully committed to seeing this through,” Buckley wrote. “Its asset collection is essentially empty, and its present featured nothing better than a 33-loss regular season and zero playoff wins. The Suns could have real questions about this core’s ability to contend already, and they might have to pivot toward finding Devin Booker more help that better fits his timeline.”