Examining Kevin Durant's Value After Desmond Bane Trade Reportedly Includes Four 1sts
Sunday's unexpected trade involving Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane heading to the Orlando Magic could have an impact on the Phoenix Suns' potential return in a swap for Kevin Durant.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Grizzlies traded Bane to the Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Suns' first-round pick in 2026 as well as Orlando's unprotected first-rounders in 2028 and 2030.
The writing appears to be on the wall regarding Durant's future in Phoenix, with Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reporting Friday that the superstar forward is expected to be moved "in the coming days."
The 15-time All-Star is coming off a 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game on 52.7/43.0/83.9 shooting splits.
While Durant's scoring output and shooting efficiency exceeded Bane's, there are other factors to consider regarding the trade value of both players.
Bane is 10 years younger than Durant, as the two-time NBA Finals MVP will turn 37 years old before the start of the 2025-26 season. Bane also has four years left on his current contract, while Durant is set to earn $54.7 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2026.
Still, opposing front offices might be willing to part with more assets than initially expected in order to acquire Durant following Bane's change of scenery.
Charania reported Saturday that Durant's "preferred destinations" are the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Heat stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo won't be moved in a possible deal for Durant but young players such as Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. could be on the table.
Sam Amick, Jon Krawczynski and Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported Saturday that Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has been a player that has interested Phoenix.
The Spurs own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft as well as the No. 14 choice. San Antonio "intends to hold on" to the No. 2 pick but is willing to move the No. 14 selection in a deal (via Amick, Krawczynski and Iko).
Following Memphis' decision to reportedly move Bane on Sunday, other teams could accelerate talks to possibly obtain Durant on the trade market and increase their respective offers.
