Lakers’ Potential Trade Package for Suns’ Kevin Durant Amid ‘Frustration’

Lakers’ Potential Trade Package for Suns’ Kevin Durant Amid ‘Frustration’

Like many other teams in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have shifted from the “big three” concept to a

solid supporting group centred around two standout players.

However, it isn’t performing as well as they had intended at the beginning of the season,

so an upgrade may be overdue.

The opportunity that arises will probably determine how significant of an update is necessary.

The star player for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant, might be about to accomplish that.

“When you speak with individuals in Phoenix and within that group, you can sense their annoyance with Durant,”

ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski stated on NBA Countdown on December 25.

“They’re going to have to deal with this in Phoenix with Kevin Durant. You’ve previously seen it.

Wojnarowski is alluding to Durant’s track record of insisting on trades when circumstances don’t

work out as he had hoped.

At this point in LeBron James’ career, the Lakers have the opportunity to jump in headfirst and make a big play.

Lakers get:

– Kevin Durant

Suns get:

– D’Angelo Russell
– Rui Hachimura
– Taurean Prince
– Max Christie
– 2029 first-round pick
– 2030 first-round pick swap

In his career, Durant has been traded twice: once to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.

Once more, at the trade deadline in February of last year, to the Suns.

This most recent trade was made during the regular season.

Similar to the Lakers, the Suns have been struggling lately,

winning just three of their previous 12 games.

Wojnarowski points out that injuries, primarily to Bradley Beal,

have hampered the Suns’ progress,

leaving the organisation scrambling to turn things around without the necessary resources to pursue upgrades.

Wojnarowski went on, “There’s a lot at stake for this organisation.”

“Something has to happen soon.”

Former NBA guard Brandon Jennings said on X, formerly Twitter,

on December 26, saying, “KD should leave SUNS.” “They cursed humanity.”

He is not worthy of this.

Lakers Are Sturdy Enough to Resist Kevin Durant Trade

Since he re-signed this summer on a two-year,

$36 million contract and waived his implied no-trade protections,

Russell’s name has been linked to trade rumours.

The likelihood that he will be engaged in any significant trade proposals is

further supported by his recent transfer to the bench.

Though he is still more of a scorer than a true point guard,

he would provide the Suns with a lead guard that they do not currently have on the team.

During the previous offseason, Hachimura and James became closer.

The Lakers were so delighted with him that they gave him a three-year, $51 million contract.

Because of his new contract,

Hachimura cannot be traded by the Lakers until January 15.

Despite struggles with injuries and inconsistent play earlier in the season,

he has improved over the last ten games,

averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Despite averaging a meek 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds,

and 1.4 assists in little over four minutes per game across 22 appearances,

Christie has shown promise in little opportunities.

Christie has averaging 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in his six starts this season.

Arguably, the largest loss would be Prince.

He is shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc and has started all 29 of his games.

But Wojnarowski suggests that the Lakers might not have many options.

It could be preferable to go large.

The Lakers, with their great combination of Durant, James, and Anthony Davis,

could still boast depth by providing this or something comparable.

Austin Reaves is a highly sought-after player in the league,

therefore Phoenix might insist on having him on the team.

The Lakers have shown no interest in doing that.

It might not be worthwhile to alter one’s position in exchange for the unpredictable and elderly Durant.

The amount of draft capital they can send is restricted.

They might benefit from Durant’s past in that sense.

Kevin Durant Responds to Insider Assertions

Historically, Durant has never shied away from engaging with his followers on social media,

and this time is no exception.

He appeared to refute Wojnarowski’s assertions when he spoke out.

On December 26, Durant responded to a fan on Instagram, saying,

“Woj says someone else “feels” that I’m frustrated and it turned into me being mentally checked out.”

“This is crazy; these people can fabricate stories about me and lie about my name, and you people will believe them.

However, you ignore the comments made by my coaches and teammates about how a good teammate I am.”

Durant’s contract, at $194 million, is in its second year.

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