Durant is willing to join forces with Antetokounmpo Bucks Suns trading plan Three first round picks to package Kuzma

The latest report from the well-known NBA reporter Shams Salanya, the Bucks are becoming the popular potential next player in Durant's trade. Durant is also open to joining Antetokounmpo, and the Suns are also willing to consider the Bucks' trading quotation plan, including four first-round draft picks and Kuzma. After Antetokounmpo confirmed to stay in Milwaukee, the Bucks will "actively" continue to build a winning roster around Antetokounmpo. Just after the media reported that Russell planned to join the Bucks, Durant looked increasingly likely to trade the Bucks, although it was technically difficult, both the Bucks and the Suns were trying to solve related problems. "Source confirmed that the Bucks management will actively explore free agent market and trading options to supplement the shortcomings of Antetokounmpo's lineup." Saranya said, "As Durant's trading market has declined, the Suns have to expand the trading negotiation list, giving the Bucks the possibility of getting Durant."

The Rockets are unwilling to give up high-quality resources for Durant, the Raptors even refuse to send out Pelter in Durant's trade, and the Heat also refuse to include young player Kyle Wealth in Durant's trading plan. Although the Spurs may pay some price to get Durant, the negotiation prospects are not optimistic, and the Timberwolves' trading dialogue with the Suns are in a standstill. "As far as I understand, the Timberwolves are still studying this issue, and they have not given up. They are trying to find a way to make this deal without a retreat," said Charania. "In general, almost no teams involved in the Suns' trading communication want to give up too many valuable assets to get Durant." The league executives knew that the Suns must solve Durant's trading problem this offseason, and they even believed that Durant would reactivate Bill after he left. There is another reason why Durant's transaction is not valuable, that is, Durant is 37 years old, and there is not much left in his career based on his injury history. In the past two seasons, Durant's performance in leading the Suns has not been ideal, which directly led many teams to doubt whether Durant can achieve the expected results after the arrival. Both in the Nets and the Suns, Durant has not achieved his plan to win the championship and has not even entered the playoffs this season.

"Durant's attitude also affected the Suns' negotiation initiative. If Durant's promise to renew his contract, no team will risk reaching a deal with the Suns." Sharania said, "People around Durant revealed that if they have the opportunity to go to Milwaukee, he is very happy to have the opportunity to chase the championship with Antetokounmpo." Durant expressed his attitude, and the rest of his work is how the Bucks management convinced the top leaders of the Suns and did everything possible to put the remaining chips in his hands on the negotiating table. The reality is that the Bucks can provide relatively limited quotation options.

The Bucks have traded a large number of first-round picks, swaps, and second-round picks for the next six seasons, limiting the room for maneuver they can add through the draft. After the 2026 draft meeting ends, the Bucks can trade the 2026 first-round draft picks, the 2030 and 2032 draft picks can also be traded, and they can also provide the 2031 first-round draft picks, which can give out a total of four first-round draft picks. In addition, Kuzma's contract will become the most important part of Durant's trading plan. His contract has two years left to $43 million, and his salary is decreasing year by year, which is very important for the Suns' plan to reduce salary. Lopez's signing and then exchange will also be a part of the deal to solve the problem of the Suns' lack of center.

"The Suns are seriously considering the Bucks' trade proposal. Other teams do not want to give in, giving the Bucks the opportunity to form a superstar lineup." Salanya said, "Durant's career window is closing, and he has a great interest in playing with Antetokounmpo, and they need each other." It is hard to imagine that Antetokounmpo will become even more unstoppable after Durant, who has top outside offense ability, joins the Bucks. Even if Lillard misses a lot of time next season, the Bucks will form a combination of Durant and Antetokounmpo, with the potential to become the strongest team in the East.

‌Durant's contract has only one year of US$54.71 million, and after the transaction is completed, it will need to renew the contract for about US$120 million for two years. The Bucks will meet Durant's renewal asking price, which means that after the 2027-28 season, the Bucks will immediately release a large amount of salary space and can continue to build a championship-winning team around the 34-year-old Antetokounmpo.