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For Kevin Durant, this season happens to another disappointment. So much so that many are suggesting that this has impacted his legacy. However, recent news from the Suns front office has suggested that they will move forward with Durant and his superstar teammates. Even then, Stephen A. Smith feels that considering Durant’s character, it would be best if he joins LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This topic was a continuation of what Michael Wilbon spoke about the Phoenix Suns having a flawed team. Smith said to his colleagues on First Take what he feels is best for Durant.
Kevin Durant in Phoenix is a problem. We don't see it because the stats are there. But they say, Kevin Durant is never happy. They say that he went more than a month without talking to his head coach. He is keeping to himself. Personality wise, I think the perfect place for him would have been the Lakers, because of LeBron. Stephen A. Smith on First Take
The reason behind this logic is that Stephen A. Smith thinks that Durant wants to just play basketball. He does not want to be part of all the extra-curricular things that happen with a team.
.@stephenasmith says it's time to "disband" the Suns' big three
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 13, 2024
"They're not a big three. They're a big three in money. They're a big three in name. But they ain't a big three in level of production." pic.twitter.com/90mqtmYzQJ
The problem for Kevin Durant is that he is the de facto leader of the Phoenix Suns. Therefore, a lot of additional things come along with being the leader. But the fact that he is unhappy suggests that he wants to avoid all the extra scrutiny and just play basketball.
Therefore, Smith believes that LeBron James, with all the attention falling on him, can easily help Durant do both the things he wants at this stage. Content and fight for another championship. Stay away from the limelight while doing that.
Stephen A. Smith claims young teams do not want Kevin Durant
While discussing possible destinations for Kevin Durant, the panel suggested that teams with assets could come get Kevin Durant. Stephen A. Smith was a big proponent for his favorite New York Knicks to trade for Durant considering the draft capital they have. However, he suggested that the talk going around is that young teams like the Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder do not want Durant.
They do not want Kevin Durant to come in their building and mess up whatever chemistry that has been building so far. Durant is not one to cause problems. However, a superstar who does not talk much and stays away, will not gel with the team. It will break the chemistry among the younger players once they know he is the go-to guy.
This essentially puts Kevin Durant in a fix. He is 35 years old and has two years left on his current contract. Not many teams will want to trade for him considering the age and money they have to pay him.
More must-reads:
- Why Warriors shouldn't take all-or-nothing route to improve
- Pacers' Aaron Nesmith growing beyond his 'absolute sniper' billing
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
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