Kevin Durant trade expected to bring lesser return than Desmond Bane
The Orlando Magic shocked the world on Sunday by executing a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. To do so, the Magic had to part with four first-round picks plus a future pick swap. But what does any of this have to do with Kevin Durant?
Well, the Phoenix Suns are trying to trade their first-ballot future Hall of Famer, and some are wondering what it will take to land the 15-time All-Star. The Bane trade cost the Magic more than many anticipated, considering he has yet to be named to an All-Star team even once.
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While Bane is certainly a talented player, he hasn't accomplished nearly the same number of achievements as Durant, a two-time championship winner. Yet, Bane is also just 26 compared to Durant being 36 years old.
Even at his advanced age, Durant is still at the top of his game, averaging over 26 points per contest while shooting a blistering 43% from distance. That type of talent would fit into any lineup with ease.
Yet, according to ESPN's NBA insider Tim Bontemps, folks around the league don't think the Durant trade will net the Suns a similar amount of draft capital.
'In speaking with several sources Sunday in the wake of the Bane deal, the universal belief is that any draft packages going to Phoenix in a Durant deal likely won't surpass the haul of draft picks coming to Memphis for Bane, who hasn't yet made an All-Star team.'
ESPN on Kevin Durant trade cost
As talented as Durant is, he's also expensive. In addition to making $54.7 million in the 2025-26 season, Durant is headed into the final year of his contract. Not having more long-term security could be playing a key role in the Durant trade negotiations, as teams likely want to make sure they get the superstar for more than just one or two seasons.
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Related: Los Angeles Clippers keeping non All-Star off-limits in Kevin Durant trade
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