Why Spurs trading for Kevin Durant makes more sense than Giannis Antetokounmpo
The post Why Spurs trading for Kevin Durant makes more sense than Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Though the latest reports indicate that the most serious suitors for Kevin Durant don't include the San Antonio Spurs, nothing is yet set in stone. KD will be 37 years old by the time next NBA season starts. He's looking for one last long-term contract, and if he's traded soon, he'd be eligible for a two-year contract extension in early July that would be worth as much as $122 million. He's set to make more than $54 and a half million next season. That's the situation in front of the Silver and Black, who are also reportedly interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Advertisement
Though they've positioned themselves well in every facet of roster building – including within the salary cap – those numbers and what it would take to get an aging star may not seem ideal.
Specifics matter, though.
As the Spurs look at all options, including any that would land the Greek Freak, acquiring Kevin Durant is the way to go. Within limits.
Kevin Durant can still score at a high level
In 62 games this past season, Durant averaged more than 26 and a half points per game.
For context, in a year that continued his all-world trajectory, Victor Wembanyama scored 24.3 per contest. De'Aaron Fox's career high season scoring average is 26.6. And while Wemby's impact goes well beyond scoring, it's clear that KD would still provide the Spurs with an incredible scoring punch.
Advertisement
For their shortcomings – and this Spurs roster has several – at the end of the day, there is none greater than their lack of scoring threats. Wemby is not yet the offensive dynamo he will become. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle is only 20. For his offensive prowess, Fox is finding his way in San Antonio. Acquired in February via midseason trade, the 2023 All-Star has played in only 17 games for the Silver and Black.
The reality of adding Durant
Unlike a potential deal for Antetokounmpo, the Spurs shouldn't have to part with Castle to get Durant. The Phoenix Suns can certainly make that request – and probably did – but it would be hard to blame San Antonio for not going along, given where KD and Castle are in their careers. The Spurs may not have to give up the second-round pick in this summer's draft either. Perhaps a non-starter for Phoenix, consider the same difference as Castle, given that Dylan Harper projects as a star. So, herein lies the question: could the Silver and Black possibly add Durant to Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, and the presumed number two pick, Dylan Harper?
Over the last couple of years, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson have been considered a part of the Spurs future plans. As of now, they still are. But their value has been, at best, blurred by the addition of Fox, the ascension of Castle and the possibility of Harper.
Advertisement
Durant makes the Spurs better immediately. By adding him and keeping Harper and drafting Castle, it also makes them better in the long term. It's certainly worth the move if they can pull it off.
Either way, it's a much easier call than what it would take to get Antetokounmpo.
Related: 76ers' perfect trade offer to get No. 2 pick from Spurs
Related: Ranking all the Spurs non-No. 1 top 10 draft picks
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant Video is Going Viral Amid Trade Rumors
Kevin Durant Video is Going Viral Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A video of Kevin Durant showcasing his basketball prowess has gone viral, reigniting discussions about his future in the NBA. Advertisement The clip, shared by @cbrickley603 on Instagram, captures Durant in action on the court, demonstrating his signature skills and dominance. This comes at a time when trade rumors surrounding the Phoenix Suns forward are intensifying, with various teams speculated to be interested in acquiring him. The video, which features Durant maneuvering around defenders and making precise shots, has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Fans and analysts alike are marveling at his enduring talent, with many arguing that he remains one of the greatest players in basketball history. The timing of the video's release is particularly notable, as it coincides with reports that multiple teams like the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves have been pursuing a trade for Durant. Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin DurantJerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Durant, 36, is coming off a season in which he averaged 26.6 points per game on a remarkable 52.7% shooting from the field, has shown he still has what it takes to lead a team to a championship. Advertisement Durant's social media activity and public statements have also fueled speculation about his next move. His recent interactions online, combined with his on-court performance, suggest that he is keenly aware of the narrative surrounding his career. As the NBA offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Durant and the Suns, with the possibility of a trade still very much in play. This viral video serves as a reminder of his exceptional abilities, keeping the conversation about his legacy and future destination alive. Related: Texas Football Gets Huge Update on Former 5-Star Recruit Wednesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NBA Champion Names ‘Perfect' Spot for Kevin Durant
NBA Champion Names 'Perfect' Spot for Kevin Durant originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In a recent discussion on ESPN's "Get Up," 2020 NBA champion Markieff Morris endorsed Miami as the ideal destination for Kevin Durant. Advertisement Morris, who played for the Miami Heat, praised the team's culture and coaching under Erik Spoelstra. "For the little bit of time I played in Miami, that was the best brand of basketball I've been apart of. Spo does a great job of getting the best out of guys and I think that's a perfect spot for him. The East is wide open and he can flourish there" Morris said. He highlighted Spoelstra's ability to maximize player potential, suggesting Durant would thrive in the Heat's system. The Heat's winning culture, combined with players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, could create a formidable team. Durant, 36, is no stranger to winning basketball, and is coming off a season in which he averaged 26.6 points per game on a stellar 52.7% shooting from the field. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin DurantRick Scuteri-Imagn Images Spoelstra's system would give Durant a gritty defense to lean back on, something he has lacked greatly in his tenure with the Suns. Advertisement Moreover, with an Eastern Conference that's looked as open as ever after the Pacers marched through it in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Heat could give Durant a chance to get back to the NBA Finals and claim his coveted third title. This endorsement comes as Durant remains a hot topic in trade rumors, with the Suns reportedly close to a deal. Morris's insight, backed by his championship experience, adds a compelling perspective to Durant's potential move, emphasizing Miami's appeal as a basketball haven. Related: Shams Reveals How Close Heat Are to Pulling Off Kevin Durant Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
31 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Yankees activate Luke Weaver after the right-hander missed 2 weeks with a hamstring injury
Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees activated right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the injured list Friday after he missed two weeks with a strained left hamstring. Weaver was injured warming up before a June 1 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. After being placed on the injured list, the Yankees thought Weaver might be out until early July or through the All-Star break. Instead, Weaver began feeling better quickly and said the pain disappeared shortly after the injury. He took his final steps in his rehab by throwing a simulated game on Tuesday after throwing three side sessions. 'The process of being outside of the field of play has been really strong,' Weaver said before the Yankees opened a three-game series against the Orioles. "The body has reacted every single day. We pushed it to the limits and smartly and it's reacted well and as good as I could have hoped for. So, throwing hasn't been delayed in any way and I feel ready to go tonight.' Weaver has a 1.05 ERA with eight saves in nine opportunities in 24 appearances. He ascended into the closer's role by converting six saves in seven chances after Devin Williams posted an 11.25 ERA in his first 10 appearances and was removed from that spot on April 27. 'I kind of look at (it) with him and Devin like we got two elite guys back there, obviously with how well Devin's been throwing the ball the last month," manager Aaron Boone said. A 31-year-old right-hander who can become a free agent this autumn, Weaver supplanted Clay Holmes as closer last September. From May 20-22, Weaver became the first Yankees pitcher to appear on three consecutive regular-season days since Aroldis Chapman in September 2021, though Weaver's first outing in that stretch lasted just two pitches, and the three totaled 18. Williams converted all four save chances while Weaver was injured and has a 1.76 ERA in his last 16 appearances since May 5. 'He's doing exactly what I knew he was going to do and obviously there's some adjustment periods but at the end of the day you got to go out and get your repetition just like hitters need to get their at-bats,' Weaver said. 'He's doing a fine job and we're very happy with what he's doing and he's at his elite self.' The Yankees cleared room for Weaver by optioning Jayvien Sandridge to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre. Sandridge was called up Thursday when Yerry De los Santos went on the injured list with right elbow discomfort. ___ AP MLB: recommended
