There’s a scenario where Kevin Durant could stay in Phoenix after all.
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland that the complications surrounding a Durant trade might lead the Suns to hang on to the basketball legend.
“I would not rule out the Suns not being able to get a trade they like and having to make a decision — like, do we not trade him at all?”
Windhorst said there may not be the right “alignment” between Durant, his potential suitors and the Suns that leads to a trade.
He added that some of the teams Durant wants to go to are “leery of paying a huge amount for a 37-year-old.”
Windhorst’s comments come after former Spurs executive Kirk Goldsberry said “San Antonio think[s] the price is too high” for Durant during an appearance on “The Zach Lowe Show” after Game 5 on Monday night.
Also on Tuesday, the Arizona Republic reported that the Suns have “no leverage” in their trade demands for Durant.
Durant reportedly prefers to be traded to the Spurs, Rockets or Heat and has made it clear he doesn’t want to head to Minnesota to play for the Timberwolves.
The 15-time NBA All-Star is entering the final year of his four-year, $194 million contract.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists during yet another disappointing Suns season.
Phoenix went 36-46, missing the playoffs for the first time in five years.
The franchise has won just one playoff series in two and a half seasons with Durant on the roster.
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