Discussions about Kevin Durant trade value and market expectations suggest that the blockbuster deals involving Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges may not accurately predict what the Suns could receive in exchange for Durant. An NBA executive advised against relying on past trades as benchmarks for Durant’s current trade market.
“throw their prior precedents and baselines out.”
—Anonymous NBA Executive
“Those deals don’t mean Durant is worth 12 firsts now,”
the executive added.
Analyzing Recent High-Profile Trades and Their Significance
The Suns’ acquisition of Durant from the Brooklyn Nets provides a relevant example, especially when compared with the Utah Jazz’s blockbuster trade involving Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz secured seven first-round picks and multiple swaps, setting high expectations for what Brooklyn should have gained when trading Durant before the 2023 deadline.
Instead, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks negotiated a deal that brought Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap. While respectable, the return did not set a new standard for trading a superstar.
Factors Limiting Phoenix’s Leverage in the Durant Trade
Currently, Phoenix faces even greater challenges in negotiating a trade for Durant. With Durant being older, showing some decline in performance, and holding an expiring contract, the Suns have less leverage than Brooklyn did previously. NBA insider Marc Stein notes the Suns’ understanding of these market limitations.
“know they won’t be able to come anywhere close to matching (gulp) what they gave up to get Durant but appear heartened by the level of interest”
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
The Disconnect Between On-Court Value and Trade Market Reality
Although Durant is unquestionably a more accomplished and effective player than Desmond Bane, the trade market operates inefficiently and does not always reflect on-court value. The returns Phoenix might receive for Durant could be less than what Memphis acquired for Bane, who has yet to earn an All-Star selection.
NBA teams, particularly those seeking improvement, must weigh these market realities as the trade process continues, which underscores the complexity and uncertainty surrounding Durant’s potential move.