The Phoenix Suns have firmly stated they have no intention of splitting up their star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
However, this hasn’t stopped NBA circles from speculating and creating mock trade scenarios.
One such proposal, suggested by Jake Uitti of Sporting News, aims to enhance the Suns’ depth and replenish their draft picks:
**Phoenix Suns receive:** Michael Porter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2028 and 2030 first-round picks
**Denver Nuggets receive:** Kevin Durant
Uitti’s trade suggestion hinges on Caldwell-Pope opting into his player option for the next season, potentially with an understanding that the Suns would later extend his contract.
While Porter Jr. doesn’t match Durant’s legendary career achievements, his youth and sharpshooting ability could provide strong support alongside Booker and Beal. Caldwell-Pope would bring much-needed elite perimeter defense, a weakness that contributed to the Suns’ early playoff exit.
**Suns Aim to Maximize Kevin Durant’s Potential**
Following last season’s noted disconnect between Durant and the Suns’ coaching staff, Phoenix’s General Manager James Jones emphasized their commitment to fully leveraging Durant’s abilities.
During his exit interview on May 1 at the Footprint Center, Jones stated, “Our constant focus is to figure out how to maximize Kevin Durant. No team has fully achieved this yet. I believe we can be the first to do so. If we maximize him, we maximize our entire roster. We were a better team this year, but the issue wasn’t about performance. Kevin had a phenomenal offensive season with some of the best stretches of his career.”
Jones continued, “It wasn’t about offensive strategy or usage. It was about figuring out the overall dynamics of when, where, and how to work together. We just couldn’t align properly.”
&
“A constant focus for us is to continue how to figure out and maximize Kevin Durant. No one has done it yet. I believe we’ll be the 1st team to do it.”
James Jones.
“When he’s playing at the highest level, he makes us a really, really good team and we’re damn near unbeatable.” pic.twitter.com/SOAL5iyp9k
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 1, 2024
The Phoenix Suns have firmly stated they have no intention of splitting up their star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, this hasn’t stopped NBA circles from speculating and creating mock trade scenarios.
One such proposal, suggested by Jake Uitti of Sporting News, aims to enhance the Suns’ depth and replenish their draft picks:
**Phoenix Suns receive:** Michael Porter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2028 and 2030 first-round picks
**Denver Nuggets receive:** Kevin Durant
Uitti’s trade suggestion hinges on Caldwell-Pope opting into his player option for the next season, potentially with an understanding that the Suns would later extend his contract.
While Porter Jr. doesn’t match Durant’s legendary career achievements, his youth and sharpshooting ability could provide strong support alongside Booker and Beal. Caldwell-Pope would bring much-needed elite perimeter defense, a weakness that contributed to the Suns’ early playoff exit.
**Suns Aim to Maximize Kevin Durant’s Potential**
Following last season’s noted disconnect between Durant and the Suns’ coaching staff, Phoenix’s General Manager James Jones emphasized their commitment to fully leveraging Durant’s abilities.
During his exit interview on May 1 at the Footprint Center, Jones stated, “Our constant focus is to figure out how to maximize Kevin Durant. No team has fully achieved this yet. I believe we can be the first to do so. If we maximize him, we maximize our entire roster. We were a better team this year, but the issue wasn’t about performance. Kevin had a phenomenal offensive season with some of the best stretches of his career.”
Jones continued, “It wasn’t about offensive strategy or usage. It was about figuring out the overall dynamics of when, where, and how to work together. We just couldn’t align properly.”
