Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – A hypothetical deal making the rounds would send Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for a package headlined by the No. 7 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, according to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman.
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Durant, 36, remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers, averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting during the 2024-25 season. The Suns, after a 36-46 campaign, are reportedly seeking ways to reset by shedding salary and replenishing their draft capital.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman answered both requirements, dealing the 15-time All-Star to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Feb 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) slap hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Durant heading to New Orleans:
Feb 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The main prize for Phoenix is the 7th overall pick in this year’s draft. The prospects for the 2025 draft are stacked, with plenty of future All-Stars littered throughout the lottery. Last year’s Suns team lacked youth and athleticism, so grabbing a top-10 prospect to pair with Devin Booker could be a stellar one-two combo for the foreseeable future.
Wasserman’s package includes the Suns receiving Jordan Hawkins. The 23-year-old was the 14th pick in the 2023 draft and had a stellar sophomore year, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. New Orleans’s mediocre season has Hawkins shooting splits in the gutter, as he was one of the few players in the rotation to stay healthy. However, the former UConn Huskies guard still has plenty of time to develop into a knockdown shooter in the league.
Apr 7, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to score against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
The final two pieces for Phoenix’s return are McCollum and Olynyk. Both are on expiring contracts, which will help with the Suns’ cap situation. McCollum is one of the best players ever not to be named an All-Star in his career. The 33-year-old has averaged 20 points and shot above 37% from 3 every season since 2015.
Since arriving in New Orleans in 2022, McCollum has become a much better playmaker and could be a viable option as the Suns’ next true point guard next season. At his age, the Pelicans guard doesn’t have the physicality or athleticism to be a good iso defender but could be hidden in defensive coverages depending on the team’s next head coach.
Suns can get All-Star and top pick in 2025 draft in proposed Durant trade
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
