ESPN's Brian Windhorst explains that Durant, who has one year left on his contract, may want to handpick his destination and sign a lucrative extension. However, the modern NBA's salary cap rules and the introduction of tax aprons make trading for Durant complicated.
After the Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the playoff race on Wednesday night, all eyes now turn to what’s next for the future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the outlook isn’t exactly promising.
Durant still has one year left on his contract, but after the Suns reportedly explored trading him at the deadline, the relationship might be strained beyond repair.
Windhorst, speaking on First Take, broke down why a trade this summer won’t be so simple.
"What Durant is going to want is he’s going to want to say here are my three teams, and I’m going to go to that team with my understanding of I’m going to pick them, and then I’m going to get there and say I’m prepared to sign my two year $120 million extension and I’m all set up for three years $180 million," Windhorst said.
That kind of deal could be nearly impossible for most contending teams under the NBA’s new collective bargaining rules.
Durant is 37 years old, coming off two lower leg injuries, and missed a good chunk of the season, including losing out on All-NBA honors.
Combine that with the league’s first and second tax aprons, and teams have a lot to think about before making a move.
"If you are a good team that wants Kevin Durant, you may not be able to afford to bring him in at that kind of salary," Windhorst added.
The new rules bring serious limitations for tax-heavy teams, like losing draft picks, not being able to aggregate salaries in trades, or using mid-level exceptions.
"Kevin Durant might get used as an expiring contract," Windhorst said. "What I mean by that is he’s making $55 million next year, and a team may take him, understanding that he’s a rental or a team might take him to dump salary somewhere."
"That’s not a commentary on Kevin Durant as a player. That’s not a commentary on what he can be on a team, that’s a commentary on what it means to trade a player who makes $55 million, who wants a contract extension in an apron era."
This season, KD averages 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three.
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