Kevin Durant appears to be on his way out of Phoenix, with sources telling The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin that the star forward will be traded "in the coming days" - possibly as early as next week.
The potential Durant trade represents the most dramatic step the "Suns" could take to address their financial situation as one of just three NBA teams currently above the second apron threshold, alongside the "Timberwolves" and "Celtics".
But Durant isn't the only name being floated in trade discussions. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the organization is also exploring moves involving Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.
"There has been a good bit of chatter this week about the Suns' willingness to explore trades involving Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale as part of the Durant discussions, sources say, to reduce their tax bill further," Fischer reported.
The financial implications are substantial. Durant is set to make nearly $54.7 million in 2025-26, while Allen ($16.875 million) and O'Neale ($10.125 million) combine for an additional $27 million. The "Suns" currently project to spend over $257 million next season - well above the second apron threshold of $207.825 million.
Interestingly, moving all three players would drop Phoenix's payroll to approximately $175.4 million, which would place them under even the first apron threshold. That's quite the financial swing!
Getting under the second apron isn't just about saving money. It would give the team valuable roster-building tools, including access to the taxpayer midlevel exception, ability to trade first-round picks seven years into the future, and freedom to use trade exceptions from combining player salaries.
The team must weigh these benefits against losing significant on-court production. Durant averaged 26.6 points on excellent 52.7/43/83.9 shooting splits last season, while Allen contributed 10.6 points with strong three-point shooting (42.6%). O'Neale was even more accurate from deep at 40.6%.
Despite the complexity of making trades while above the second apron, the "Suns" aren't new to navigating these waters. Fischer noted: "After a winter of non-stop trade discussions with various teams, Phoenix is very familiar with the concept of trying to triangulate three-team (or larger) deals."
Will the "Suns" follow through on these rumored moves? And if Durant does leave, can they remain competitive in the loaded Western Conference? The next few days should bring some answers.
