The Phoenix Suns are under pressure this summer as Mat Ishbia’s team is already over the second apron. Kevin Durant and Co. underperformed this season and could not go beyond the first round of playoffs. Nevertheless, the current season is almost over, and it’s time for some amendments, but it seems like the Suns have got a little scope for it. They have seven players with guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. Expectedly, their salary will be $194 million, surpassing the second apron threshold of $190 million. It is a warning for the team’s elite offense player, Kevin Durant.
Last month, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith mentioned on the show ‘First Take,’ “They say that he went more than a month without talking to the head coach. They say that he does not look happy there…You gotta disband this group.“ If what the NBA analyst said was true, the situation have gotten worse for the Suns forward. Due to the second apron status, Mat Ishbia’s team cannot sign a player in free agency. It has made a black hole in the position of a rim protector in the roster that will continue to haunt the Phoenix Suns.
The Socks have to get some young guns on their team. A young core moving around volume scorers like Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant will make them eligible for a title run. However, for now team is out of resources to perform such a thing. On the contrary, the situation might get worse as the Suns will have to pay $150 million in total to Beal, Booker, and Durant from next year onwards. They also don’t have aggregate salary availability, mid-level exceptions, or the ability to trade an All-Star in exchange for players. Ultimately, the only way out for the Suns is to let go of Kevin Durant if they can’t facilitate the title possibilities around him.
If not the Suns, Where can Kevin Durant thrive for an NBA title?
Once a dynasty, the Golden State Warriors are crumbling, and they might need a savior like Kevin Durant for hope. Klay Thompson’s stay at the Warriors is already dubious, considering Joe Lacob’s commitment to getting below the luxury tax. Though it seems impossible, the Warriors can get Kevin Durant and complete their roster. However, it is not possible through conventional means. They are already above the luxury tax, and it would take the whole young core of the Dubs to match Durant’s $51.2 million pay for next year.
Warriors will need help losing all their potential future talents at the cost of Durant. However, it is a risk if the Dubs are desperate enough to restore their legacy in the next season. They are not what they used to be as their performance is fading away their domination once used to be. Maybe Klay, Steph, and Draymond can make the last gambit to get what they deserve.
