The Phoenix Suns are more than likely headed towards a divorce with 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. The future first-ballot Hall of Fame forward was nearly traded at the deadline, without warning.
After a 36-46 campaign and a No. 11 seed finish in the Western Conference, change was needed in The Valley. There was no way around it.
With Bradley Beal’s contract being immovable — considering his no-trade clause and steep salary — the Suns opted to try and move Durant.
After not pulling the trigger at the deadline, it’s all but certain that the legendary forward and two-time champion will be moved this offseason — if not by the NBA Draft, even.
A rebuild isn’t coming, though.
Well, more than likely, that is. Instead, Phoenix can retool around Devin Booker — their franchise talent — with whatever return they get in a Durant deal.
The Suns guard has been with the organization his entire career, and would like for that to be the case for the foreseeable future.
The franchise is aligned with that, as they’re expected to deal Booker a two-year, $150 million extension, according to Marc Stein.
This all but reinforces the idea that Booker will be in The Valley for the duration of his career. Extending him despite roster uncertainty shows their commitment and loyalty to him.
Assuming Booker inks an extension, he will be signaling the same back to the organization.
The Kentucky product, in year ten, averaged 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in 75 appearances.
The Suns guard remains in the thick of his prime, and committing the best years of his career to Phoenix should add some urgency for the team to strengthen the roster and make the proper moves.
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