Kevin Durant is still committed to fighting for the playoffs despite rumors that the Phoenix Suns will trade him soon. The superstar forward, however, may rethink his plans for the franchise. One interested team, according to the rumors, is the Dallas Mavericks.
However, an NBA insider thinks that this potential trade is "overstated." How did he come to such a conclusion?
Dallas Mavericks and Kevin Durant: Reality Check
The Mavericks traded away Luka Doncic in a shocking move at the trade deadline. Since then, the team has suffered a series of injuries, including Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, who have been ruled out. For the Mavs office, this could be solved if there's a new star who would overtake Irving's role in Texas.
Yet, contrary to the general rumors, NBA insider Marc Stein has made it known that the Mavericks' pursuit of Durant has been overstated. As Stein reports, Dallas is not presently scheming for a three-star backcourt and is focusing on locking down Kyrie Irving's future as their backcourt leader.
NBA Insider Says Durant-to-Mavs Hype Is Overblown
Marc Stein countered the increasing chatter about Kevin Durant possibly joining Dallas, saying that there has been "overstating" of reports of the Mavericks' interest.
"Dallas has been repeatedly described as a potential Durant suitor, before the deadline and since, but I continue to hear that reports of its interest have been overstated. The Mavericks, based on my best read, are not currently planning for a three-star construction. Securing Kyrie Irving's future as their backcourt anchor after stunningly surrendering Luka Doncic is a priority — Irving holds a $44 million player option for next season — and it is likewise obvious that Dallas would have to gut its depth to make a competitive trade offer for Durant."
Mavericks Should Consider Kevin Durant's Contract
Durant will make $54.7 million in the last season of his contract, so any trade would be a major financial investment. While his contract does not have a no-trade clause, Durant and the Suns will likely collaborate to identify a trade destination that is acceptable to both sides.
This could mean that the Mavericks couldn't match Durant's contract even if they offer their best assets at the moment. Bleacher Report says that the team does not have enough trade pieces to do that. They would need to trade almost half of the team minus Irving and Davis to make it a fair trade.
Despite the rumors, it's doubtful Durant will wear a Mavericks jersey next year. Dallas seems more committed to keeping team stability than to engineering another blockbuster trade. Maybe if the Lakers make it happen, but they need to give up Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and other young guns for that.
All that aside, Durant's future is still one of the largest storylines entering the offseason. If the Suns choose to move on from the veteran forward, the chase for him will certainly rock the NBA world. But at present, the possibility of Durant signing with the Mavericks is more rumor than fact.
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