Undoubtedly, the current Thunder team is brimming with vitality and talent, but how far can they go in the playoffs?
The Thunder currently leads the West with a record of 31 wins and 6 losses, but their recent three defeats against the Rockets, Bucks, and Cavaliers have exposed their shortcomings when facing strong opponents.
The Thunder is full of potential, boasting many young players who have yet to reach their peak. The biggest challenge for the Thunder is whether these young players can support them in advancing to the Finals. Last year in the playoffs, they were defeated by the more experienced Mavericks.
If Thunder General Manager Sam Presti believes that the team needs to bring in an All-Star veteran to help them progress further, he undoubtedly has sufficient draft picks as bargaining chips.
Choosing to bring back Kevin Durant, the former star who led the team to the Finals, would undoubtedly be the best choice. Durant's current team, the Suns, is currently in trouble, providing the Thunder with an opportunity to acquire him.
If the 36-year-old Durant wants to elevate his historical status, he needs to continue competing for championships, and returning to the Thunder would also be the best choice.
What assets can the Thunder offer to bring back Durant?
American media outlet "FW" special correspondent Colin Keane has provided a simulated trade proposal between the two teams:
Thunder Acquires:
Kevin Durant - Annual salary of 51.18 million, contract until 2026, averaging 27.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks this season, with shooting percentages of 52.2%/39.9%/83.7%.
Suns Acquires:
Hartenstein - Annual salary of 30 million, contract until 2027 with a team option in the final year, averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks this season, with shooting percentages of 56%/0%/67.2%.
Isaiah Joe - Annual salary of 12.99 million, contract until 2028, averaging 8.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists this season, with shooting percentages of 40.9%/37.2%/75%.
Carson Wallace - Annual salary of 5.56 million, contract until 2027, averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals this season, with shooting percentages of 42.8%/32.1%/80%.
Thunder's first-round pick in 2029
Thunder's first-round pick in 2031
In the end, the Thunder acquires Durant to continue their pursuit of the championship, while the Suns receive three rotation players and two valuable first-round picks.
The Thunder forms a new lineup:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (starter)
Darius Bazley (starter)
Luguentz Dort (starter)
Kevin Durant (starter)
Al Horford (starter)
Dennis Schroder (rotation)
Hamidou Diallo (rotation)
Moses Brown (rotation)
Do you think either team would oppose this plan, or are both sides dissatisfied?