Trade speculation has been swirling around NBA superstar Kevin Durant for quite some time now, and even after the Phoenix Suns decided to keep him through the trade deadline, the talks have not died down. With the Suns struggling and their chances of making it to the playoffs looking bleak, the possibility of a major shake-up in the summer has become a hot topic of discussion. And one name that keeps popping up in these discussions is that of ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, who recently suggested an intriguing destination for Durant’s future.
Smith believes that the Oklahoma City Thunder should make a move to bring Durant back to the team where he started his NBA career. The Thunder, who currently have a record of 20-27, are in desperate need of a superstar player to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. And according to Smith, Durant could be the missing piece that they need.
In a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith said, “Who better to bring back to Oklahoma City than Kevin Durant? He’s a superstar, he’s a champion, he’s a scoring machine. He’s a guy that can put the ball in the hole at will. He’s a guy that can elevate the level of play of everybody around him.”
Smith’s suggestion has sparked a lot of interest and debate among NBA fans and analysts. While some believe that Durant’s return to Oklahoma City would be a dream come true for Thunder fans, others are skeptical about the feasibility of such a move. But one thing is for sure, if the Thunder were to make a move for Durant, it would be a game-changer for the team and the entire league.
Durant, who is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets, has had a successful career so far. He is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and a four-time scoring champion. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the league and has a huge fan following. And his return to Oklahoma City would undoubtedly create a buzz and bring excitement back to the city.
But the question remains, is it possible for the Thunder to make a trade for Durant? The answer is yes, but it won’t be easy. The Thunder would have to give up a lot in return, and it would require some creative maneuvering from their front office. But if they were able to pull it off, it would be a huge win for the team and their fans.
Durant’s contract with the Nets runs through the 2022-23 season, and he has a player option for the 2023-24 season. This means that he could potentially become a free agent in the summer of 2022. And if the Thunder were to make a move for him, it would most likely happen in the offseason.
But why would Durant want to return to Oklahoma City? After all, he left the team in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors and then signed with the Nets in 2019. Well, for one, Durant has always had a special connection with the city and its fans. He spent the first eight years of his career in Oklahoma City and built a strong bond with the community. And with the Thunder struggling, he could see it as an opportunity to come back and help the team turn things around.
Moreover, the Thunder have a young and talented roster that could benefit greatly from Durant’s leadership and experience. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Darius Bazley have shown a lot of potential, and with Durant’s guidance, they could become a formidable force in the league.
Of course, there are other factors that could influence Durant’s decision, such as the team’s management, coaching staff, and overall direction. But if the Thunder were to make a serious push for him, they would have a strong case to make.
In the end, it all comes down to whether the Thunder are willing to take the risk and make a bold move for Durant. But one thing is for sure, if they were able to bring him back to Oklahoma City, it would be a game-changer for the team and the entire league. And as Stephen A. Smith said, “Who better to bring back to Oklahoma City than Kevin Durant?”
