Showdown! There is not much time left before Durant leaves the team

The Suns' trading storm is really going to blow this time.

When the well-known journalist Brian Windhorst talked about the Suns' plans in a recent show, he didn't hide at all: "Don't be fooled by the news that they just recruited a general manager. Suns boss Matt Ishbiya is going to come out to trade Durant's deal in person this time."

He specifically emphasized, "Ishbiya is not the kind of boss who only signs checks. He likes to rush to the front line to make big deals--just like when he was in exchange for Durant, now he will send KD away, and it is most likely that he will talk in person."

This is not a guess out of thin air.

Winderhorst and Suns team reporter John Gambardo recently reached a rare consensus: The Suns are pushing forward the deal with the goal of sending Durant away before the June 26 draft begins.

Why is it so urgent? Draft night is the most active golden time in the trading market. Each team is ready to move with chips in hand. The Suns want to take advantage of this east wind to maximize the value of Durant.

Where does Durant want to go? The Spurs' name surfaced.

This is not groundless. Several league sources revealed that Durant has sent a signal to those around him: he feels that his next stop will be San Antonio. It's reasonable to think about it. Wenban Yama, the "unicorn", has just played a very strong rookie season. If a scorer of Durant's level team up with him, the Spurs will instantly transform from a reconstruction team into a disruptor in the West.

Paul + Durant + Vinban Yama? This picture is so beautiful that even Windhorst couldn't help but analyze on the show: "The Spurs have enough young assets and draft picks. As long as they are willing to bid, it will be difficult for the Suns to not be moved."

The Suns' asking price has also been put on the table: at least 3 first-round picks.

This number sounds scary, but think about Durant's data last season - averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5 assists, a real shooting percentage of 61.3%, scoring at critical moments, the top five in the league - he is still one of the league's most deadly offensive weapons.

For the championship team, Durant is worth the price of the present with the future. The dilemma of the sun forces them to take action.

The three giants (Durant, Booker, and Bill) did not work well last season, and the three of them only played side by side in the regular season. Bill just finished his wrist surgery and Durant is one year older. The team's salary has been locked until 2027, and he has no room to strengthen the basic salary players.

What is even more heartbreaking is that their first round pick next year is still in the hands of the Nets (protected at the top eight picks). If they are bad, the signing may be given in vain.

boss Ishbiya obviously doesn't want to spend it anymore.

Winderhorst pointed out in the show: "The Suns boss's style is to cut the mess quickly. When Soha Durant was first, he bypassed the management and talked with Nets boss Cai Chongxin. With the same script now, he is likely to skip the new general manager and directly talk to potential bosses such as the Spurs and Rockets." Although this "boss direct train" model is radical, it is extremely efficient, and it also explains why the Suns are eager to finalize the deal before draft night - Ishbiya has to press the reconstruction button with his own hands.

For Durant, going to the Spurs may be a win-win situation.

The Holy City has Popovich in charge, and Vinban Yama's talent can be seen with the naked eye. The team also has a lot of young chips (such as Kelden Johnson, Devin Wassel) and draft picks (11 first rounds in the next seven years).

Durant no longer has to carry the Suns' load, concentrate on being a top terminator, and lead Wenban Yama by the way. The Spurs' competitiveness may be stronger than fighting alone in the Suns.

Once the Suns get 3 first round picks, they can completely dismantle the three giants structure.

Booker was at his peak at the age of 26. Bill's trade was too difficult. He sent Durant away and returned to the draft pick + young player, which left a way out for the team. Wendhorst concluded at the end of the show: "The Sun is now like a car that is pedaling at the same time with the accelerator brakes. Trading Durant is the only way to loosen the brakes."

Now the pressure is coming to the Spurs and other potential next homes. On June 26th draft night, we will most likely see a shocking league deal - and the center of this storm is firmly in the hands of Suns boss Ishbiya. Note: The graphic materials are from the Internet