Kevin Durant trade close to becoming reality: Which landing spot would be best for fantasy basketball?
Last week, I ran through some trade scenarios for one of the most popular names on the block, Kevin Durant. It's interesting to see how quickly things are shaping up within the Association; as the list of suitors is narrowing, a move could be made at any time now.
Here's the latest of what we know and how each landing spot could affect Durant's fantasy value.
The favorites to land Kevin Durant
Miami Heat
A package involving Kel'el Ware and picks is probably the only compensation I'd consider if I were the Suns. Ware far exceeded expectations in his rookie year, so I'd be hard-pressed to think Pat Riley would let him go that quickly. Wiggins doesn't excite me, but the Suns may get desperate and take what they can get. The Heat were at least on KD's shortlist of places to go, so anything is possible.
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Fantasy takeaway: To the surprise of no one, I like the fit in Miami, assuming they'll retain Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Those two All-Star caliber players form a formidable three with Durant. Herro is the primary option, but Durant wouldn't be far behind since Adebayo tends to be a pass-first big man. Durant would need to average 25 a game for the Heat to be competitive, so for the sheer opportunity, Miami is a good move for him if the two teams can make it happen.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are another intriguing destination for Durant, mainly because Houston has control of three of Phoenix's first-round picks, so the idea of getting some of that draft capital back is enticing. However, since the asking price for KD is too high, what will it take to get it done? Jalen Green or Jabari Smith, along with picks, is the path of least resistance. Houston doesn't need to make a move, although it was clear after its first-round exit at the hands of the Warriors that the Rockets could use a consistent shooter when things get thick.
Fantasy takeaway: I'm a fan of Durant slotting into the PF spot in Houston because it makes its offense more dynamic. It has all of the other pieces covered — now, it's about whether the Rockets want to run it back with the same young unit or make a splash. Either way, KD still thrives from a fantasy perspective with the Rockets.
Minnesota Timberwolves
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Durant doesn't want to go to Minnesota. Maybe he's still salty that Ant and the Timberwolves bounced them out of the playoffs a couple of years ago. Or perhaps he has no interest in living in Minnesota.
Whatever the case may be, he may not have a choice, as the Wolves could make a compelling offer to the Suns. Do they dangle four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert with promising young rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon? Julius Randle? Donte DiVincenzo? The Wolves certainly have assets.
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Fantasy Takeaway: The Wolves' high-octane offense would suit Durant just fine. Knowing how well the Thunder defended Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle in the Western Conference Finals, acquiring a bucket-getter and high-IQ player like Durant could be the move that sends them back there with the potential for more. KD should warm up to the idea of playing in Minnesota because they have a great coach, an ascending star and the system to succeed even as he approaches 40.
Darkhorses to land Kevin Durant
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have the assets to make a deal happen today if they want to. ESPN's Shams Charania stated that the Spurs' pursuit of KD hasn't been as aggressive as that of other teams. So, even if KD wants to go there, it may not be in his control. As more reports come out, I agree with the sentiment that the Suns don't have much leverage and their asking price is too high. I get asking for Stephon Castle or the No. 2 pick for KD, but he's 37 years old and doesn't impact winning as he has in the past.
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So, what's next? If the Suns want to send Durant to the Spurs, it'll cost at least Devin Vassell or multiple picks and players due to salary constraints; a third team might have to help facilitate a deal.
Fantasy takeaway: The Spurs are the best potential landing spot for Durant at this stage of his career. Joining a core of Fox-Castle-Wemby would raise their floor into a playoff contender because of his ability to score at all three levels. He doesn't command a high usage rate and is a reliable bucket whenever the offense gets stagnant. For everyone saying he's over the hill, he's coming off a season where he averaged 27/6/4 with 53/43/83 shooting splits.
Toronto Raptors
KD hasn't expressed interest in playing there, so shipping him out to Toronto would be hilarious. The Raptors have pieces, too.
Fantasy Takeaway: I'm not keen on the idea of Durant being sent to a place he doesn't want to go. I dislike drafting potentially disgruntled players in fantasy because it often leads to trade demands or subpar play. Neither is suitable for fantasy purposes, so let's hope this is not the resulting outcome.
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