The Phoenix Suns had one of the most underwhelming seasons in recent memory as they failed to reach the postseason despite rostering a star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. While Beal has a no-trade clause — and likely lacks suitors due to his expensive contract — and Booker has long been the organization’s franchise star, many expect Durant to be on the move this offseason.
Although he is in the latter stages of his career, the 15-time All-Star remains among the best players in the league. Despite the fact he will turn 37 years old in September, his former teammate DeMarcus Cousins suggested that the Dallas Mavericks should make a franchise-altering trade for the future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer.
“Kevin Durant wouldn’t be a bad move there either with that No. 1 pick,” Former four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins claimed Tuesday. “(Mavericks general manager) Nico (Harrison) is already on record saying it’s a three-year window as far as winning a championship. So, Cooper Flagg doesn’t fit that window. Kevin Durant does. So, I absolutely think he would trade that No. 1 pick. I think that’s an option for him.”
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Pairing Durant with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson would likely make the Mavericks instant contenders. Dallas, however, is unlikely to make such a move as Irving is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL.
Durant showed he has plenty left in the tank last season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from three-point range and 83.9% from the free-throw line.
Despite his strong play, however, Phoenix would likely jump at the opportunity to acquire a prospect such as Flagg. The former Duke Blue Devils star has been projected by many to be a franchise-changing player and would instantly change the long-term projections around the Suns.
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