The Phoenix Suns have had a disastrous season, and looking back, they wish they handled things differently with Kevin Durant.
The Phoenix Suns are a franchise in disarray. What was meant to be a dominant side turned into an absolutely abysmal squad.
The big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker were expected to win an NBA championship. Instead, they went on to miss the playoffs this season.
Mike Budenholzer was let go by the Suns for his poor performance this year. But this is just the start of the changes.
In fact, the Suns internally wish they had begun the clean-up process for this disaster of a squad much sooner.
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In a report by Brian Windhorst of ESPN, we understand the mindset of the Phoenix Suns. Apparently, the Suns were having private discussions about trading Durant far before the deadline.
If anything, the deal falling apart has made the Suns regret their actions. If anything, the Suns wish they had been more proactive in involving Durant in the trade process to get the deal over the line.
“Privately, the Suns admit they made a mistake by not involving Durant earlier in the process. They had hoped to keep the discussions closed…”
“But when the Suns inevitably had to discuss scenarios with third teams to find a way to execute a deal, word leaked across the league.”
“They appear to be trying a different approach going into the offseason. Rich Kleiman, Durant’s longtime agent and business partner, planned to travel to Phoenix this week for discussions with the organization, sources said.”
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With Kevin Durant almost guaranteed to leave, the question then becomes about his next destination. Several teams are interested in landing the former NBA champion.
The Miami Heat and Washington Wizards are two dark horses to land Durant. However, the Dallas Mavericks have long been the favorites to secure a trade for Kevin Durant.
Kendrick Perkins believes landing Durant is the only way Nico Harrison can redeem himself. But the Mavericks might not have the assets to make a deal happen.
In any scenario, the Kevin Durant sweepstakes will be one to keep an eye on, especially as the offseason gets underway in June.
