The Phoenix Suns are bracing for a potentially transformative offseason following a disappointing 36-46 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs entirely. With the focus now firmly on retooling around superstar Devin Booker, significant roster changes are expected, and all signs point towards a potential trade involving forward Kevin Durant. As trade speculation intensifies, Durant himself has made a major move off the court, securing a significant ownership stake in a global sports giant.
Suns Eyeing Trade for Durant
After a season that fell far short of expectations, the Suns organization is reportedly looking to move Durant, potentially before the upcoming NBA Draft. The goal is to acquire assets, particularly draft picks, to enhance roster flexibility and build a more sustainable roster around Devin Booker for the future.
While the 15-time All-Star reportedly has a list of preferred trade destinations, including teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat, the Suns are prioritizing securing the best possible trade package for the franchise. This means Durant could land with a team outside his favored list if they offer a superior return.
Other teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors are also rumored to be in the mix for the future Hall of Famer. However, a trade has been held up by the Suns’ high asking price. Sources describe the situation as a “game of chicken,” with Phoenix holding firm on their desired return. While some teams are reportedly “one or two pieces away” from meeting the Suns’ demands, a deal remains elusive for now.
Durant’s age (turning 37 next season) and his contract status (entering the final year) are factors influencing his trade value, despite his continued elite performance. The Houston Rockets, for example, despite Durant’s reported interest in joining them, reportedly have “significant reservations” about trading for him, citing his age as being “so out of sync with their younger timeline.”
With major potential trade targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly off the market, the focus on Durant has only grown. The Suns are also reportedly doing background work on other frontcourt players like Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics, suggesting they are exploring multiple avenues to reshape the roster post-Durant.
Durant’s Major Off-Court Investment: PSG Ownership
Amidst the swirling trade rumors and uncertainty surrounding his NBA future, Kevin Durant has expanded his business empire with a high-profile investment in the world of soccer. He has acquired a part-ownership stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the dominant French soccer club.
This move is part of a strategic partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the owners of PSG. The partnership reportedly involves Durant also consulting on PSG’s potential plans to expand into basketball, leveraging the significant pipeline of talented French players entering the NBA.
Durant has been increasingly active in business ventures throughout his career, and this investment further diversifies his portfolio, signaling preparation for his post-playing career. Becoming a part-owner of a major global sports brand like PSG represents a significant step into sports ownership beyond basketball.
In essence, Kevin Durant’s offseason presents a picture of duality: navigating an uncertain professional playing future with the Phoenix Suns due to trade demands and organizational retooling, while simultaneously making a decisive and strategic move in the business world by becoming a part-owner of a premier international soccer club. The NBA Draft looms as a key date that could potentially trigger a resolution to his trade situation.
References
- <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/kevindurantmakesmajoroffseasonmovebeforepotentialtrade/s11761542353762″>www.yardbarker.com
- www.si.com
- www.foxsports.com
- www.newsweek.com
- sports.yahoo.com
