Former Spurs executive reveals Suns' massive ask for Kevin Durant as trade talks intensify
Phoenix may as well be asking for the sun.
The Spurs reportedly did not respond well to the Suns originally asking for reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and/or the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA draft in their trade talks for Phoenix star Kevin Durant, according to former Spurs executive Kirk Goldsberry.
'I know our friends in San Antonio think the price is too high,' Goldsberry, the team's former vice president of strategic research, said on 'The Zach Lowe Show' released Tuesday.
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'In the original discussions, including the No. 2 pick and/or Stephon Castle, are not going very well on the Spurs' end of the telephone, I can tell you that.'
3 Kevin Durant likely will be moved soon.
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It's seemingly a foregone conclusion that the Suns will trade Durant this offseason and Phoenix may as well ask for the world for the 36-year-old.
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The problem is the rest of the league may have a different price value on the future Hall of Famer and it seems that's the case.
The Suns may be asking for too much and forced to alter their demands since they have 'no leverage,' the Arizona Republic reported Tuesday morning.
Durant, while still an elite scorer, is older, missed time due to injury last year and has only year left on his deal.
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Asking for Castle and/or the No. 2 pick is certainly a substantial ask from the Spurs, who are looking to build a winner around Victor Wembanyama.
3 Kirk Goldsberry (r) revealed the Spurs are not too pleased with the initial ask for Kevin Durant.
@TheDunkCentral/X
The No. 2 pick could be one of Rutgers' freshmen phenom duo in Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey, while Castle averaged 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in addition to providing strong defense.
Durant wants to be traded to the Spurs, Rockets or Heat, ESPN reported Saturday, but that doesn't necessarily help the Suns since it's possible the veteran could force his way to a team.
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He reportedly has made it clear he doesn't want to head to Minnesota.
3 Stefon Castle won Rookie of the Year.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
With the NBA draft beginning next Wednesday, any deal involving a 2025 pick would have to be completed soon and pundits have said they expect a trade in short order.
The Suns moving on from Durant would mark an underwhelming end for the franchise's two-and-a-half seasons employing him.
Phoenix won one playoff series in his time, while being swept in the first round in another and missing the postseason altogether this year.
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