Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns has been one of the most discussed topics ahead of the NBA offseason.
Following an abysmal 2024-25 season for the Phoenix Suns, it’s all but confirmed that Kevin Durant will leave the franchise.
However, the Suns are no closer to parting ways with the Slim Reaper than they were when the rumors first leaked during the NBA Trade Deadline.
It’s a mix of the Suns’ asking price being too high and KD being picky about his next destination. Keeping that in mind, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently shared his honest thoughts on the Durant trade saga.
Despite being on the cusp of turning 37 years old, Durant hasn’t allowed age to impact his production on the court.
After all, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Suns this season. Unfortunately, Durant’s numbers didn’t translate to wins for the organization as they finished the season with a terrible 36-46 record.
It feels like Durant can no longer be the first option on a championship contender, and that’s what Pierce said during a recent episode of the KG Certified podcast.
“I think KD needs to play on the team with a player that’s better than him, for them to win a championship. For him to win another title,” Pierce boldly stated.
Since leaving the Golden State Warriors, KD has tried his luck with the Brooklyn Nets and Suns as the No. 1 option on the team and failed to win a championship. So maybe it’s time for him to take a back seat?
Adding further to his theory about Durant needing to play with a star better than himself, Pierce believes the Suns star should be eyeing three teams.
The teams are: Milwaukee Bucks, OKC Thunder, and Denver Nuggets.
“There’s only like two or three teams. Milwaukee, with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], OKC with Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]… or Denver.
“Oh, if they can find a way to him, you pair him up with [Nikola Jokic] over there,” Pierce added.
There’s no doubt that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic are all better than Durant at this stage of his career.
A move to either of these teams will likely help KD win the third ring of his NBA career. But at the end of the day, the Suns hold his future, and they could trade him to a team like the Miami Heat.
Especially considering rumors about Durant to the Heat are catching attention in the NBA rumor mill.
