Pulling the trigger and making the trade on another superstar would be a wise and irrational decision at the same time. The LA Clippers would never fully know until the time comes whether this specific player will sign a second contract, worsen with age, or remain motivated through adversity to continue fighting for a championship.
These few questions are some of the ones the Clippers should have regarding Kevin Durant, who will be 37 at the end of September. He has one year left on his contract, and most think it is not worth shipping a major haul to the Phoenix Suns for a one-year trial.
During the meetings between Durant, his agent, and Clippers executives, LA must receive a verbal guarantee that an extension through the 2027-28 season will be accepted. This will allow the front office to trade him in the summer before his term expires when Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, if a new contract is sorted, become free agents.
However, after all the future concerns, the next and last major hurdle to the Durant saga in Phoenix is what return will be brought. The Clippers have role players and picks available, but a Suns insider mentioned Ivica Zubac being traded, and this would be an inevitable nightmare LA would not be able to escape.
Suns insider covers Zubac’s name in a Durant trade, and this should immediately cause the Clippers to disconnect the phone
Though Kevin Durant is older, he is still a top-ten player in the world, as he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc.
He also played 62 games, which means he was hurt for long enough not to receive any offseason recognition but not enough to suggest an issue with his health. The two-time champion also missed the play-in tournament, ultimately meaning a postseason showcase was never presented.
The most Durant should be traded for from the Clippers is Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., first-round picks this season and in 2031, and an extra salary like Drew Eubanks.
Conversely, Suns insider John Gambadoro spoke about Ivica Zubac in the haul for Durant. This should be an instantly denied request from LA, as this mistake would be similar to the one made in 2019 involving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Zubac will likely be an all-star next season and nine years younger than Durant by October. Hence, the Clippers should not entertain such talks, as the former MVP will likely retire within the next five seasons.