Suns Preparing Pursuit of Nets Star Kevin Durant

The Suns are preparing to pursue Nets star Kevin Durant ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline should Durant become available, per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

It is believed by some that the Nets will look to move Durant following the trade of Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks. Brooklyn, however, has given no indication that dealing Durant is something it intends to do.

Nor has it been determined if Durant would like to leave. As part of the deal for Irving, the Nets are acquiring guard Spencer Dinwiddie and forward Dorian Finney-Smith, presumably keeping the team in “win-now” mode.

At any rate, Durant demanded a trade ahead of the season, before eventually coming back around to remain with the Nets. Phoenix was said to be among his preferred destinations at the time.

The Suns were also said to be heavily pursuing an Irving trade over the weekend.

Durant, 34, is averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists, shooting 56 percent from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers, in 39 games. He has been out since Jan. 9 with a knee injury, but has said he’s hopeful of returning before the All-Star break later this month.