Kevin Durant = Three First-Round Picks? In Just Two Years, the Suns Lost Big!

The Phoenix Suns’ experiment with Kevin Durant is starting to look like one of the biggest gambles gone wrong in recent NBA history.

Despite still being one of the best players in the league at 36, Durant’s future in Phoenix is suddenly looking very uncertain. Recent reports suggest that the Suns will actively explore trading Durant this summer, with their asking price set at three first-round picks and a young player.

And while that might sound like a reasonable return for a player of Durant’s caliber, it’s nowhere close to what the Suns originally gave up to get him.

Let’s take a deep dive into how we got here, why the Suns are in this position, and what it means for both KD and the franchise moving forward.

The Suns Are Ready to Move On

According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, the Suns will look for a multi-team trade involving Durant this summer, hoping to get back three first-round picks and a promising young player while also staying under the second apron.

This aligns with other reports that have surfaced over the past few months:

• At the trade deadline, the Suns almost sent Durant to the Warriors, but the deal fell apart because KD himself stepped in to shut it down.
• On Draymond Green’s podcast, Durant admitted that he’s not sure about his future in Phoenix.
• ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has stated that the Suns are highly likely to trade Durant this offseason.

When you put it all together, it’s clear—Durant is not untouchable, and his time in Phoenix may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Why Are the Suns Even Considering Trading KD?

A year ago, the idea of trading Durant so soon after acquiring him would have been unthinkable. But now? It makes a lot of sense—for both sides.

1. Durant is Entering the Final Year of His Contract

Next season, Durant will be in a contract year. And so far, there have been zero reports of an extension—from either side.

That alone is telling. If neither Durant nor the Suns are eager to commit long-term, then it’s only a matter of time before a trade happens.

2. The Suns’ Superteam Has Been a Disaster

When Phoenix formed the Booker-Durant-Beal Big Three, the goal was clear—win a championship.

Instead, they’ve been a complete disappointment:

• Last season, they got swept in the first round by the Nuggets.
• This season? They’re 30-35, sitting 11th in the West, three games behind the Mavericks for the final Play-In spot.

For a team with one of the highest payrolls in the league, that’s a complete failure.

3. The Suns Are Financially Trapped

Phoenix’s payroll is massive, and because they’re above the second apron, they have almost no flexibility to improve the roster.

Even worse? Their draft picks are already tied up for years, making it nearly impossible for them to rebuild properly.

To make matters worse, under the new NBA luxury tax rules, if the Suns remain above the second apron for two out of the next four years, then their 2032 first-round pick automatically becomes the 30th pick—which is an absolute disaster for a franchise with limited assets.

So, how do they fix it?

The only real option is to get under the second apron, and trading Durant is the easiest way to do that.

Durant Is Still Elite—Which Is Why the Suns Can Ask for a Lot

Despite all of this, let’s be clear—Kevin Durant is still playing at an elite level.

• 52 games played
• 37.1 minutes per game
• 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists
• 52.7% FG / 40.9% 3PT / 83.2% FT
• 63.8% true shooting

That’s insane efficiency for a player about to turn 37.

And that’s exactly why the Suns believe they can still demand three first-round picks for him.

But even if they get that package, it’s impossible to ignore one harsh reality:

Phoenix Paid a Fortune to Get Durant—and Now They’re Losing Big

Just two years ago, the Suns made an all-in move to acquire Durant.

Here’s what they gave up:

• Mikal Bridges
• Cam Johnson
• Jae Crowder
• Four first-round picks
• One first-round pick swap

And when you really break it down, they got fleeced.

• Bridges was later flipped for five first-round picks.
• Crowder was traded for four second-round picks.
• Johnson is now worth at least two first-rounders.

Which means, when you add it all together, the Suns essentially paid over 10 first-round picks worth of value to get Durant.

And now? They’re hoping to get three firsts back.

That’s a massive loss, no matter how you spin it.

What’s Next? Possible Trade Destinations for Durant

If the Suns do trade Durant, where could he go?

One team keeps coming up—the Houston Rockets.

Why?

• They own multiple Suns first-round picks, which they could send back in a deal.
• They have young talent like Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson to offer.
• They’re looking for a superstar to pair with their young core.

A trade framework of two Suns first-round picks + a young player (like Reed Sheppard) + salary filler might be enough to get a deal done.

Other possible suitors include:

• Miami Heat (always in the mix for stars)
• Golden State Warriors (Durant reunion?)
• Philadelphia 76ers (if they strike out in free agency)

Wherever he ends up, one thing is clear—Durant’s championship window in Phoenix is closed.

The Suns' Two-Year Gamble: A Cautionary Tale

Just four years ago, the Suns were in the NBA Finals.

Three years ago, they won 64 games.

Now? They might not even make the Play-In Tournament.

The speed at which they’ve collapsed is staggering.

And their failed Durant experiment serves as a harsh reminder—stacking stars doesn’t guarantee success, especially when they don’t fit together.

For Durant, a trade could actually be a blessing. He still has the talent to impact a championship race—just not in Phoenix.

For the Suns? They went all-in and lost. And now, they’re left desperately trying to recoup whatever value they can.