Countdown! Team notes reveal that the Suns traded Durant before the draft, and many teams intentionally lowered the asking price?

The 36-year-old Durant is undoubtedly one of the most popular targets in the trade market this summer, with at least five teams interested in acquiring the veteran. Suns reporter John Gambadoro noted on the podcast that the team is heavily seeking to trade Durant and expects to complete the move before this year's draft. Previously, The Athletic's Iko broke the news that the Suns are gradually lowering their asking price for Durant. Multiple teams are interested but can't sell for a good price? That's the reality of the Suns trading Durant.

Durant is undoubtedly the biggest star on the market if he doesn't ultimately request a trade, with multiple reports suggesting that the Rockets, Spurs, Heat, Timberwolves and Hawks are all interested in acquiring him. However, Durant's age, injury concerns, and past experience make it difficult for him to reach a high level of trade value.

First of all, age and injury concerns, Durant is 36 years old, and by the time the season starts, he will be 37 years old. Is a 37-year-old star worth the big chips of other teams, even if his name is Kevin Durant? The answer is clearly no. In the case of negotiations between the Suns and the Rockets, for example, Durant has not been able to bring a lot of assets to the team as much as he did in the last trade.

Iko reports that the Rockets have received several calls from the Suns since the end of the season, and the Suns have gradually lowered their asking price for Durant. At a price point, the Rockets could be interested, but there are still questions about whether the deal can be done due to concerns about tearing up the roster for a 36-year-old player who has just recovered from injury. Previously, when the American media commented on the rumors between the Rockets and Durant, they said that the Rockets may be the next home with the most matching chips and the clearest transaction logic.

At the same time, the Rockets are still interested in the Bucks' supergiant. With no final decision on the way forward, it will be difficult to make substantial progress in trade negotiations over Durant. The reason is simple, if there is a chance, who doesn't want to fight for the alphabet brother?

The Spurs, Heat, Timberwolves and Hawks are in a similar situation, and they are more interested in getting the veteran for a relatively reasonable price than a large chip bid on Durant. Therefore, now Durant's trade market is "thunder and rain", there are many teams interested, and there are almost no who are willing to really pay a high price, otherwise, the Suns do not need to lower the asking price at all.

Judging from the trade returns, in addition to the Rockets, the Timberwolves' chips may be of interest to the Suns. NBA reporter Matt Moore reported that during trade talks about Durant, the Suns had told other teams that the center was an important trade chip. Moore noted that the Suns are "most interested in solving the problem of the center position," which has been the team's weak link since they traded Ayton.

If the Timberwolves go all-in on Durant, they do have the ability to make a standout big man to offer the Suns. They restructured Gobert's contract in the offseason, making it more attractive to teams that might be interested in him, especially if the free agent market lacks big men who could change the game. Perhaps the Suns are more interested in Naz Reed, who, while not tall enough as a center, can score, stretch space, grab rebounds, and improve defensively.

If you look at it from the perspective of competing for a championship, it seems better for Durant himself to return to the East than to stay in the West, after all, the competitive environment in the East is not as brutal as in the West. If the Hawks and Heat can get KD at a reasonable price, their chances of winning the championship will be significantly improved.

For example, the Hawks, the latest report says they have discussed the possibility of trading for Durant, and have made an inquiry. The Hawks have been trying to find another star player for Trae Young to partner with for years, but they have been unsuccessful, which has also led Young into trade rumors, although they apparently want to build the team around him. The combination of Durant and Young, along with Daniels, Risachet and Okongu, could help the Hawks finally get out of the play-in fight and become the top team in the East next season.

Where Durant is going is destined to be the hottest topic this summer, even if his whereabouts are unlikely to completely change the league's landscape.