The NBA regular season is nearing its halfway point, and the Western Conference is becoming increasingly interesting. The Thunder's 14-game winning streak has left all other teams behind, while the second-place Rockets only lead the seventh-place Clippers by 2.5 games. Teams like the Warriors, Spurs, and Timberwolves, who maintain a 50% win rate, are locked in fierce competition. As the season progresses, many teams are gradually getting back on track. For example, the Clippers finally welcomed the return of their leader, Leonard, who is very selfless and strives to integrate himself into the team without disrupting its balance. The Lakers, after LeBron James experienced a period of decline in December, have once again stepped up his game, bolstered by Reeves' consistent contributions, resulting in noticeable improvements in both offense and defense. Additionally, the Warriors, without Curry, managed a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, demonstrating that they can rely more on Wiggins and give Curry some rest.
However, there is one team that, much like the stock market, has seen a sharp decline after an initial rise in September, following an "A-kill" trajectory without looking back, leaving no room for a rebound or liquidation for small investors. This team is the Suns, who started the season with an impressive 8 wins and 1 loss, giving them hope of contending for the championship and topping the Western Conference; the stock market's rise in September once made people believe a bull market was coming, but time always provides the best answers. From an 8-1 start, the Suns have since gone on a 7-17 run, dropping to 12th in the West! Moreover, they are currently on a four-game losing streak, during which Durant, much like in previous seasons, has displayed signs of frustration, negativity, and even tanking on the court. The disintegration of the Suns' big three seems imminent, and this time, it might be appropriate to congratulate the Rockets!
First, let's clarify who the leader of this Suns team is. Judging from this season's statistics, Durant averages 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4 assists, with shooting percentages of 51% and 40%; Booker averages 24.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, with shooting percentages of 42% and 34%. When Durant was absent earlier in the season, the Suns went 1-9, and regardless of whether Beal was present or not, without Durant, Booker could not break through double teams nor effectively organize and motivate his teammates. Essentially, he was just a slightly more skilled version of Powell, younger than Powell, and more adept at scoring points. Meanwhile, Durant anchors both ends of the court, making him the clear leader of the Suns. However, in the last seven games, from Booker's groin injury to his return, Durant has led the team to a record of 1-7.
Many games have been puzzling, including unexpected losses to the Pacers and Pistons, a 27-point defeat to the Nuggets, and another 18-point loss to the Pacers when all three stars were available! Coach Budenholzer has expressed dissatisfaction with the team's defensive performance after each game, almost directly naming individuals, questioning how they can even make the playoffs if they can't defeat the bottom eight teams in the East. Despite impressive individual performances—Durant scored 43 points against the Pistons, 37 against the Pacers, and 35 against the Mavericks—his frustration is growing. To put it simply, Durant already has the lowest defensive pressure value on the Suns, with almost everyone able to provide some protection for him on defense. However, Durant must engage in rim protection and physical confrontations while also shouldering the responsibility of finishing plays on offense.
During this 1-7 stretch, Durant has suddenly become less active defensively! After being beaten, he throws up his hands in resignation, seemingly engaging in passive tanking during defensive plays without actively guarding his assigned player. However, the real motivation behind this is that Durant expends a lot of energy on offense, attempting difficult shots that are not necessarily reasonable. He chooses to drive to the basket and play the hero, unnecessarily consuming his stamina. From Durant's perspective, it is understandable; he earns $50 million, yet he has two teammates earning the same amount. Why should he be responsible for both offense and defense? Durant's preferred style of play does not involve having someone else handle the ball beside him; he wants others to do the dirty work while he plays the hero. Even Beal, the culprit, was specifically requested by Durant and Booker.
It's tough to trade him away, as he holds a trade veto power! The Suns have four first-round picks remaining over the next seven years, but only one can be traded; the others are either in the hands of the Nets or the Rockets, or the swap rights are held by other teams. Even if Beal agrees to leave, would attaching a first-round pick be enough? The Suns' salary this season is 226million,exceedingtheluxurytaxthresholdby54.7 million. Including the super luxury tax, their total expenditure amounts to $408 million. Could they not even secure a playoff spot with such investment? Durant wisely rejected the Suns' one-year contract extension offer. If he's unhappy, he can request a trade at any time. The Suns cannot trade away Beal, nor will they part with Booker, who is still a relatively young core player. That leaves only Durant, with an unspoken understanding between them.
Durant's departure is only a matter of time, but where can he go? He certainly won't want to return to the Nets, and trading him to another team would not benefit the Suns' rebuilding efforts. His destination can only be the Rockets, who have long coveted Durant. The Rockets don't need stars of the caliber of Fox or Ingram; they can afford to wait for the Suns to crumble. They can't wait until this summer to rebuild, and neither can Durant, who is also racing against time! The Rockets' lineup is essentially complete, lacking only a superstar capable of delivering the decisive blow in critical moments. As for the Suns, they are slowly becoming a laughingstock in the NBA.
