Los Angeles Clippers keeping non All-Star off-limits in Kevin Durant trade
Will the Los Angeles Clippers trade for Kevin Durant? They're reportedly trying to work out a deal with the Phoenix Suns, even though they're not on the future first-ballot Hall of Famer's shortlist of preferred landing spots.
As exciting as it would be to pair Durant with Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers do have standards that they're not willing to lower. Specifically, as NBA insider Marc Stein states, the Clippers aren't willing to part with blossoming center Ivica Zubac to land Durant.
'We've been consistently told L.A. has no desire to part with Ivica Zubac… as much as Phoenix surely covets the consistently improving center. The Clippers, however, do hold two future first-round picks and some available swap rights to sweeten a potential Durant offer that would almost certainly require the inclusion of Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr.'
Marc Stein on Kevin Durant trade to Los Angeles Clippers
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That could be notable, considering the Suns are reportedly trying to find an upgrade at their starting center position this offseason. If the Clippers aren't willing to part with Zubac, it could mean they're left on the outside looking in when it comes to landing Durant.
Of course, as Stein notes, the Clippers do have other options, but there's no guarantee that Los Angeles has anything else that Phoenix covets to part with a trade chip as valuable as Durant. In other words, if the Clippers do have Durant near the top of their vision board, it may require getting ultra creative this offseason.
Besides, if you're Phoenix, does a trade package built around Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or Derrick Jones and first-round picks sound enticing enough to move on from Durant? Probably not.
Related: Kevin Durant trade rumors deliver disappointing update for Heat, Rockets and Spurs fans
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