Phoenix Sports Today

Phoenix Sports News Continuously Updated

Mavs, Timberwolves Threats To Steal HOFer Away From Suns

by

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant shoots over the top over defender

Following a wild 48 hours, the Phoenix Suns will hold onto Kevin Durant after the trade deadline. However, Durant’s future in the desert might be fluid, especially as he was blindsided by being bait in trade offers. With that in mind, there are two playoff teams that were in on the Durant trade that may be viable trade partners in the future: the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mavs, Timberwolves Threats To Steal Kevin Durant Away From Suns

On Thursday afternoon, SNY.tv’s Ian Begley reported that the Mavericks “were very aggressive” in their effort to bring Durant into the fold.

Dallas, under fire for trading the prodigal Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, almost certainly would’ve been to fan off the flames of their fans’ torches by bringing in a flamethrower like Durant. With Mavs star Kyrie Irving mentioning that he considered teaming up with Davis and Durant on the Boston Celtics in 2018, the trade was that much more viable. Furthermore, Irving and Durant continue to have mutual respect for one another as peers, if not friends.

Nonetheless, Mavs president and general manager Nico Harrison has made it clear that he’s also concerned with team-building more than talent acquisition. That said, Durant’s scoring ability –particularly in isolation –meshes will with Dallas’s needs on the perimeter. In terms of Harrison’s emphasis, he fits as well. While Durant isn’t a special defender, he’s often used his length to his advantage at that end.

As previously mentioned, the Timberwolves also attempted to make a trade for Durant at the deadline, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Minnesota’s interest in Durant is notable due to their young franchise cornerstone: Anthony Edwards.

During the Paris Olympics, the Edwards and Durant were thick as thieves. Edwards undoubtedly picked Durant’s brain in their time together. However, rather than a mentor-mentee relationship, it was more so big brother-little brother. Their natural chemistry makes it at least possible that Durant would seriously consider playing for Minnesota. It helps that Edwards has shown that he can lead the Wolves deep into the playoffs.

Edwards’ ascension is also essential to Minnesota’s interest in Durant. Because he’s such a promising player, the Timberwolves don’t want to waste time or go backwards with him. Unfortunately for them, the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle hasn’t paid off. Though they’re still a playoff team, Towns’s skillset was just more compatible with the rest of the roster.

Meanwhile, Durant didn’t earn the nickname Easy Money Sniper for nothing. Unlike Randle, he’s always a threat from beyond the arc. That alone would make a world of a difference.

Furthermore, Durant’s notoriety is such that his teammates will be clamoring to get him the ball. Randle’s pretty talented and has had a successful career. He doesn’t have the future Hall of Famers clout though.

The Offseason Looms

Though neither the Mavs nor Timberwolves were able to swing a deal for Durant before the deadline, the Suns could revisit those talks in the future. A lot relies on how each of these teams looks for the remainder of the season. However, if Phoenix falters for yet another season, both the Suns and Durant could eye greener pastures. If so, the wide plains of Texas or the Twin Cities could hold some appeal to the 36-year-old.

It’s worth noting that it may be easier for Dallas and Minnesota –as well as other suitors –to maneuver for trades in the offseason. With the Timberwolves over the second apron, this applies to them moreso than the Mavs. Nonetheless, both organizations should be monitored with regard to Durant’s potential movement.

© Soobum Im-Imagn Images

The post Mavs, Timberwolves Threats To Steal HOFer Away From Suns appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.