Trade speculation has been following NBA superstar Kevin Durant for quite some time now, and even after the Phoenix Suns kept him through the deadline, the chatter has not died down. With the Suns struggling and their playoff hopes diminishing, talks about a potential summer shake-up have intensified. This has led to some intriguing possibilities for Durant’s future, and ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith recently highlighted one particularly compelling destination.
During a segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder should make a move to bring Durant back to his former team. “Who wouldn’t want to see Kevin Durant back in Oklahoma City, playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George?” Smith exclaimed.
It’s no secret that Durant left the Thunder in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. But his decision to leave the team that drafted him and where he spent the first nine years of his career still haunts many fans in Oklahoma City. Bringing him back would not only be a dream come true for those fans, but it could also be a smart move for the Thunder’s future.
Durant’s contract with the Suns is set to expire at the end of this season, and he will become a free agent. While there is a chance that he could re-sign with the Suns, the team’s struggles and lack of success in recent years could make that less likely. This is where the Thunder could swoop in and make a bold move to bring Durant back into the fold.
One of the main reasons why Smith believes this trade could work is the fact that the Thunder currently have a solid core in place. With Westbrook and George leading the team, adding Durant to the mix could create a “big three” that could rival some of the other top teams in the league. Smith also pointed out that the team’s owner, Clay Bennett, has a good relationship with Durant and could potentially make a pitch to lure him back.
But the biggest factor in this potential trade is Durant’s relationship with Westbrook. The two had a tumultuous relationship during their time together in Oklahoma City, with many reports of tension between the two. However, both players have since matured and have expressed a willingness to put the past behind them. A reunion could be just what they need to finally win an NBA championship together.
It’s important to note that this is all just speculation at this point, and there is no guarantee that Durant would even consider a return to Oklahoma City. But with the Thunder’s recent success and their strong roster, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Of course, there are also some potential roadblocks to this trade. For one, the Suns would have to be willing to part ways with Durant, which may not be an easy decision for them. They could also demand a high price in return from the Thunder, potentially including some of their key players. But if the Thunder are serious about bringing Durant back, they may be willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
In the end, it’s all up to Durant and what he wants for his future. But the idea of him returning to Oklahoma City and reuniting with Westbrook and George is certainly an exciting one. It would not only make the Thunder a powerhouse team, but it would also bring closure to the chapter of Durant’s career that left many fans disappointed and yearning for more.
So while we wait to see what Durant’s decision will be in the offseason, the possibility of a trade to the Thunder remains a tantalizing thought. Only time will tell if this dream scenario will come to fruition, but one thing is for sure: Oklahoma City would welcome Durant back with open arms.
