Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: 'Rising Belief' Suns Could Deal Star amid Warriors Buzz

As the Phoenix Suns remain stuck in play-in purgatory with the most expensive roster in the NBA and no obvious path to get better, a Kevin Durant trade prior to Thursday's deadline is getting more realistic.

Per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there's a "rising belief" around the league that Durant could be traded because the Suns have shown "a greater willingness to discuss trade scenarios" involving the 15-time All-Star than at any point in the past.

This comes amid rumors that the Golden State Warriors are looking into the possibility of a reunion with Durant.

The Athletic's Sam Amick, David Aldridge and Anthony Slater reported on Tuesday that the Suns could trade Durant to open a pathway that would allow them to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.

Butler reportedly has his sights set only on the Suns. Bradley Beal has given no indication he intends to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate any deals, thus leaving Phoenix in position where it would have to trade either Durant or Devin Booker to make any significant move.

Given the eight-year age difference between Durant (36) and Booker (28), it makes sense that KD would be the one Phoenix at least explores trade opportunities for.

On Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Shams Charania explained the Warriors have been making calls "about every All-Star player" as they try to improve their roster before the trade deadline.

The Athletic report noted the Suns would be seeking a deal involving Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga in order to consider trading Durant to Golden State.

There's no indication the Warriors are looking to make that exact trade, but they do need to have a level of desperation with Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. They are in a three-way tie with the Suns and Sacramento Kings for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

The Suns payroll and tax bill for this season is at $380.8 million. No other team is at $300 million.

Durant hasn't been part of the problem in Phoenix. He's averaging 26.9 points on 52.4 percent shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 39 starts this season.