“The rationale behind the Warriors seeking a trade for Kevin Durant.”

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Phoenix Suns, financially constrained and relying heavily on three star players (Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal), face an uncertain future. With Beal possessing a no-trade clause, the Suns may need to consider trading either Booker or Durant to address their situation.

Here’s the rationale behind a potential Warriors deal for Durant:

The Warriors possess the necessary assets to facilitate a trade for Durant, including promising young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, seasoned veterans such as Andrew Wiggins and Chris Paul, and valuable first-round draft picks.

While parting ways with a first-round pick or a promising young player like 21-year-old Kuminga (averaging 16.1 PPG) may seem premature, the likelihood of either reaching Durant’s level of impact or becoming perennial All-Star talents appears slim.

Despite approaching 36 years old, Curry remains a premier talent in the league, evidenced by his impressive 26.4 points per game this season. He still possesses the capability to lead a team deep into the postseason, especially when surrounded by a stronger supporting cast.

In recent seasons, the Warriors have squandered some of Curry’s prime with underwhelming rosters lacking in experience and cohesion. The team’s deficiencies include a lack of size, a reliable second scoring option, and an abundance of young players whom head coach Steve Kerr appears hesitant to entrust with significant playing time.

To honor their fans, themselves, and their exceptional superstar, the Warriors owe it to themselves to go all-in and maximize Curry’s prime by making bold moves and assembling a team capable of contending for championships.

The Warriors and Durant (averaging 27.1 PPG and 6.6 RPG this season) have already demonstrated a seamless synergy on the court.

A potential return to Golden State would allow Durant to resume his natural position at small forward, with the assurance of having defensive stalwart Draymond Green (averaging 8.6 PPG and 7.2 RPG at 34 years old) as a reliable support in the paint.

Such a move would afford Durant the opportunity to conserve his body, as he could delegate the physical aspects of defending power forwards to Green, while focusing on his offensive prowess.

Despite Green experiencing a turbulent 2023-24 season marked by on-court issues and suspensions, his impact remained significant. According to StatMuse, the Warriors boasted a defensive rating of 113.5 when Green was on the court, compared to 121.1 when he was absent.

Of utmost significance, Curry appears receptive to the idea of a reunion, expressing openness during a 2023 appearance on The Ringer’s “Real Ones” podcast (as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area), stating, “We know our games gel, we know how to play basketball, so if it ended up being that, of course I’d love to play with him.”

Golden State has long harbored interest in reuniting with Durant, dating back to 2022. With the clock ticking on Curry’s prime, it’s incumbent upon majority owner Joe Lacob and the team management to actively pursue a deal.