The Atlanta Hawks made two cost-cutting moves at the 2025 NBA trade deadline, but they explored bolder trades. According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, they reached out to the Phoenix Suns regarding Kevin Durant’s availability. Now more than ever, it seems Phoenix and Durant are on a path to part ways after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Atlanta has the draft assets and young, promising players to orchestrate a deal should Phoenix want to move toward a rebuild.
Hawks Could Land Superstar in Blockbuster Trade This Summer
Hawks Would Not Have to Blow Up the Roster
Unlike a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Atlanta likely retains most of its young core in a deal with the Suns. Several underlying factors might make Durant’s price lower than NBA fans expect. The future Hall of Famer turns 37 years old in September and is owed $54.7 million in the last year of his contract next season. Both of these aspects present risk in acquiring him, but they also decrease the price Atlanta could pay. All 29 other teams immediately have leverage in trade talks involving Durant because they know Phoenix wants to move him.
The Suns likely want a mix of draft capital and young talent in exchange for Durant. The Hawks could form a package of Zaccharie Risacher, Mouhamed Gueye, salary filler, and two first-round picks to gauge Phoenix’s price. Risacher, the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, fits seamlessly at small forward next to Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. If the Suns traded those two stars for even more young talent, Risacher could become the focal point of a rebuild, allowing him to reach his full potential.
The Suns might counter this offer and want Onyeka Okongwu in the deal. Their big-man depth is thin with Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and 2024 rookie Oso Ighodaro. Durant even played a chunk of minutes at the five this season. However, if Atlanta moves Okongwu, their center problems become even worse than in Phoenix. Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. are both free agents, making Okongwu the only center currently on the roster. If Phoenix gives the Hawks an ultimatum with the promising 24-year-old center, they might hang up the phone.
Durant Fits Like a Glove in Atlanta
The Hawks lacked three-point shooters and half-court shot creators outside of Trae Young this season. Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Okongwu are far from proven perimeter shooters. Durant immediately provides a huge boost to Atlanta’s scoring efficiency all over the court in transition and slower-paced contests. He averaged 26.6 points per game, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. Durant’s scoring threat would take pressure off Young, preventing opposing defenses from doubling him. Atlanta’s star guard led the league with 11.6 assists per game this season. That number could rise even more with additional shooters and scorers like Durant.
Durant has not played with a promising franchise center since Jarrett Allen with the Brooklyn Nets. Ideally, the 6-foot-11 forward is playing on the wing at the later stages of his career to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on his body. Okongwu established himself as the center of the future last season when he took over the starting role from Capela. Durant could exclusively play at forward if Atlanta finds a backup center for the 2025-26 campaign. Daniels, Durant, Johnson, and Okongwu form a formidable defensive foursome next to Young. They all can switch and possess the ability to jumpstart Atlanta’s past-paced offense off opponent turnovers.
Young and Durant share a connection beyond just NBA stardom. The Hawks’ guard grew up going to Oklahoma City Thunder games, watching the now 36-year-old forward. Young mentioned how Durant has been a role model throughout his NBA career.
Trae Young thanks Kevin Durant for being one of his idols and players he looks up to! Growing up in Oklahoma watching him pic.twitter.com/jgQfyfGX2E
— 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 ✰ (@Hatedzs) December 14, 2024
If the Hawks trade for Durant, they can put themselves in a position to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference next season.
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