Latest news with #PhoenixSuns
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mock Trade Sends Suns' Kevin Durant to Surprise West Team For Top-10 Pick, Veteran Guard
Mock Trade Sends Suns' Kevin Durant to Surprise West Team For Top-10 Pick, Veteran Guard originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns have a busy offseason ahead of them as they try to turn their franchise around after another disappointing season. Advertisement Phoenix finished the season 11th in the Western Conference with an abysmal 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. Of course, the Suns were expected to be a top team in the West thanks to their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal but now the trio's future in Phoenix is in doubt. Jan 22, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports The Suns are expected to move on from both Durant and Beal this offseason to rebuild their roster around Booker. Because of this, Durant now enters the offseason as one of the main trade targets for other contending team and he has already been linked to many, including the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Advertisement While those are just some of the teams Durant has been linked to, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman recently released a mock trade that would send him to a surprise West team in the New Orleans Pelicans. In the trade, Wasserman has Phoenix sending Durant to New Orleans in exchange for the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft, C.J. McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Hawkins, a top-three protected 2029 first-round pick and 2027 first-round pick swap via the Milwaukee Bucks. Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesStephen Lew-Imagn Images This would be an interesting trade for New Orleans, especially after their terrible season that was riddled by injuries but with a new core of Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Durant, they could be a contender next season. Advertisement For the Suns, they would upgrade their depth in this trade while also landing a top-10 pick in which they could use to take a center like Khaman Maluach out of Duke, who Wasserman originally had the Pelicans taking. Khaman Maluach. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images Despite this, the Pelicans may not be willing to give up this amount of assets for an aging Durant, especially after the season they are coming off of, and they may have no interest in Durant this offseason. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Draws Epic Comparison to Dwyane Wade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Three-time All-Star Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards, still just 23, has had quite the run recently. The 6-foot-4 Georgia product has led his club to the playoffs across the last four of his five pro seasons, only missing out as a rookie in 2020-21. Edwards has guided the Timberwolves to two consecutive Western Conference Finals berths for the first time in franchise history. Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates during the second half in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on April 20, 2024 in Minneapolis,... Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates during the second half in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on April 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More Photo byNow, Edwards has drawn a heady, Hall of Fame comparison from his most senior Timberwolves teammate. One-time All-Star starting Minnesota point guard Mike Conley, 37, believes that Edwards' game has a lot in common with that of 13-time All-Star Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade, writes Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson for Heat Nation. Ant Edwards & Dwyane Wade's game mirror says Mike Conley Jr. 'I think his game is more like a D-Wade mix… the way he gets into the paint, wiggles around in there while being unbalanced, finishing & defending the rim.' 🔗 My latest via @HeatNationCom ➡️ — 👑 Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson (@ScoopB) May 29, 2025 "I think his game is more like a D-Wade mix... the way he gets into the paint, wiggles around in there while being unbalanced, finishing and defending the rim," Conley said of Edwards. Edwards has often been considered akin to Wade with an outside shot, an athletic, two-way swingman who can serve as a lead ball handler and scorer. As Conley notes, both stars are terrific finishers around the cup. More Minnesota Timberwolves News: Timberwolves Get Major Update on Julius Randle, Naz Reid Future "So it's like it's Ant all to himself and it's D-Wade, you know?" Conley said. "Because his body and the way he gets in the paint, wiggle around in there being unbalanced and finishing and defending the rim." Both players also happen to be the same size, and boast similar athletic profiles. Wade, of course, led his Heat to the NBA Finals and a championship during just his third pro season, although he had logged two NCAA seasons at Marquette to Edwards' one at Georgia. Eventually, Wade wrapped up his 16-year pro career (he spent parts of 15 seasons in Miami) with five NBA Finals appearances, three wins, and one Finals MVP award. He logged averages of 22.0 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 76.5 percent shooting from the foul line, 5.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He was an eight-time All-NBA honoree and a three-time All-Defensive Teamer. The Timberwolves are crossing their fingers that Edwards can enjoy similar success and land the franchise its first-ever title. During the regular season, Edwards averaged 27.6 points on .447/.395/.837 shooting splits, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks. In the playoffs, Edwards notched respectable averages of 25.3 points on a .453/.354/.719 slash line, 7.8 boards, 5.5 dimes, 1.1 swipes and 0.7 rejections More Minnesota Timberwolves News: Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Makes Bold Declaration Following Brutal Game 5 Loss NBA Champion Says Timberwolves Should Target This Anthony Edwards Co-Star For more Minnesota Timberwolves and general NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"I wanted it to happen because I was coming to a fabulous team" – Shaquille O'Neal looked forward to helping the Suns in 2008, despite Father Time catching up
"I wanted it to happen because I was coming to a fabulous team" – Shaquille O'Neal looked forward to helping the Suns in 2008, despite Father Time catching up originally appeared on Basketball Network. Even when he reached his mid-30s, Shaquille O'Neal was a player who could help any team. However, "The Diesel" needed to be healthy and suited up for it to happen. Advertisement Although he had a memorable run with the Miami Heat in 2006, winning his fourth and final NBA title, there were already signs of decline. With the LSU product struggling to stay healthy, the South Beach squad shipped him to the Phoenix Suns in 2007. O'Neal welcomed the move, alleging he could help the team reach the next level. "I'm very excited to be here. I just want to fit in with a damn good team," O'Neal said at a news conference via UPI. "I'm just here to make everyone else better. I wanted it to happen because I was coming to a fabulous team. Helping them get to the next level will be exciting." Suns needed someone to stop the Spurs One area the Suns desperately needed to shore up was the center position. To make a real playoff push, they had to find someone capable of matching up with Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Advertisement Back then, Mike D'Antoni was at the helm, leaning heavily on his fast-paced, small-ball system. It worked wonders in the regular season, but every time Phoenix ran into San Antonio, that approach came up short. The Suns lost to the Spurs in the 2005 Western Conference Finals in D'Antoni's first year at the helm. The Texas squad would do the same in the 2007 postseason, eliminating Phoenix in the WC semifinals. The Shaq experiment failed Even with the acquisition of the top pick of the 1992 Draft, the Suns still fell to the Spurs that season. Both teams faced off in the first round, with San Antonio booting out Phoenix 4-1. Advertisement This put then-general manager Steve Kerr in a tough position. He had been the driving force behind the Shaquille trade, a move he later acknowledged was aimed at addressing the glaring hole in the paint. Looking back, Kerr admitted he could've handled the situation more effectively including improving communication and alignment with the respected head coach, who wasn't fully on board with the direction the team was headed. "I have some regrets. I think we had a few differences that I probably didn't handle very well as a GM that I could've probably handled better, especially given that we really like each other and have a lot of similar viewpoints on the game," Kerr stated in 2018. Related: "There's a lot of things I hate about it" - Tim Duncan admits he can't stand some things about today's NBA Shaq had nothing more to prove Although he remained tough to stop, Shaq's numbers show that his playing days were coming to an end. From the monstrous performances he had with the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, his production dropped considerably. Advertisement O'Neal's most productive stint with the Suns came in his second season, where he put up 17.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks across 75 games. Little did the 7-foot-1 behemoth realize that it would be his last good run in the NBA. He got shipped to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009 and made his final stop with the Boston Celtics in 2010. Try as he might, "The Big Aristotle" had to accept the fact that his game was on the decline. Injuries prevented him from being his usual self and his unavailability was a huge problem for teams. O'Neal came to that realization in June 2011, ending his 19-year run. While the final chapter of his career may not have gone as hoped, Shaq's NBA journey was nothing short of legendary. Advertisement With four championship rings and a league MVP to his name, the big man's resume is stacked with accolades most players can only dream of. Related: LeBron James reveals which NFL players resemble him the most: "We have that same stature, as far as the build goes" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Kevin Durant and Paolo Banchero viral training clip sparks Orlando Magic trade speculation amid Phoenix Suns' uncertain offseason
Recent resurfacing footage of Phoenix Suns big Kevin Durant and Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero working out together has sparked debates about a possible blockbuster deal once again. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though the video is from September 2024, its popular reappearance coincides with rumors that Durant is going to be dealt this summer, so fans and experts conjecture: Could Orlando be an unexpected candidate for the 15-time All-Star? Durant's likely departure from Phoenix intensifies trade rumors The Phoenix Suns finished the 2024–25 season with a disappointing 36–46 record, prompting the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer and the appointment of Brian Gregory as the new general manager. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, there's a staggering 98% likelihood that Durant will be traded this offseason. Durant, who averaged 26.6 points and shot 52.7% last season, is reportedly in talks with the Suns to explore new team options. Teams like the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs are on the list of potential new homes. Thanks to its rising stars like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, the Orlando Magic have made some major progress—reaching the playoffs for two straight years. Bringing in a top-notch talent like Durant will not be simple, however. Salary cap concerns abound for the Magic as Wagner and Suggs are expected to bring in $73 million overall after their rookie deals. This financial position might limit Orlando's ability to get big players on the roster without sacrificing depth or letting go of key ones. Originally shared by Banchero on Instagram in September 2024, the workout video showcases him and Durant working out together. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Offseason workouts are a usual thing for NBA players, but the renewed interest in this video has led to speculation about a potential partnership. A frontcourt with Durant, Banchero, and Wagner could make Orlando a powerful offensive force, possibly elevating them to contender status. Also Read: Another take on Kevin Durant potentially joining the Orlando Magic is definitely captivating, but there are some roadblocks that make it a tough sell. The Magic's salary cap constraints and the high cost of landing Durant without sacrificing their young core are big obstacles. However, that viral video has ignited discussions and excitement among fans, proving how wild the NBA offseason can get.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Suns' Kevin Durant Receives Eye-Opening Future Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA offseason is almost set to fully begin, and it could be one of the more wild ones in recent memory. Multiple star players could be on the move this summer, completely shifting power around the league. One of those players is star forward Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. Durant was rumored to have almost been moved at the trade deadline this year, but Phoenix held onto him for now. More NBA news: Top 5 Landing Spots For Kevin Durant Amid Trade Rumors However, due to this, many around the NBA believe that Durant's time with the Suns is over. Phoenix has underperformed with Durant on the roster, and it may be a good time to part ways. ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst gave his thoughts on the partnership between Durant and Phoenix, saying that he is almost 100 percent sure Durant would leave. Windhorst appeared on the ESPN show 'NBA Today to discuss the situation. "Kevin Durant, I'm like 98% sure he's not gonna be a Sun next year, how it works out though I'm about 1% sure. There's gonna be a number of teams interested, but some of it is gonna depend on whether they see KD as a player they keep on a 1-year contract or extension", he said. Windy: "Kevin Durant, I'm like 98% sure he's not gonna be a Sun next year, how it works out though I'm about 1% sure. There's gonna be a number of teams interested, but some of it is gonna depend on whether they see KD as a player they keep on a 1-year contract or extension" — Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 28, 2025 While it remains to be seen what will happen with Durant, it does seem like he will be leaving the Suns this summer. Multiple teams will be interested in landing Durant despite his advanced age. More NBA news: Kevin Durant Future Reportedly Tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo Durant remains one of the better scorers in the NBA and could be a valuable piece to a contending team next season. The veteran averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game last season. Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena on February 23, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena on February 23, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. Photo byThe Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs have been the most talked-about teams for the services of Durant this offseason. Durant could help either one next year, but it remains to be seen what the star wants to do. With the NBA being such a players' league, Durant will have a massive say in what the future holds for himself. But no matter what Durant does, his time with the Suns is likely to come to an end. More NBA news: NBA Champion Says Timberwolves Should Target This Anthony Edwards Co-Star Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center For more on the Phoenix Suns and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
