Why the Sixers Should Heavily Consider the Suns’ Asking Price for Kevin Durant

The Philadelphia 76ers need to stop sitting on their hands and seriously consider the Phoenix Suns’ reported asking price for Kevin Durant this offseason. With Durant expected to be on the move, the Sixers should be among the most aggressive suitors—yet once again, Daryl Morey’s analytics obsession and reluctance to take bold action could cost this team a shot at winning a championship before the Joel Embiid era is over.

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According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, the Suns are seeking three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal to offload Durant. Their primary goal is to get under the second apron of the luxury tax while maximizing their return. However, Rankin also notes that Phoenix could be willing to take back less to make a deal happen, particularly if it means shedding a significant portion of Durant’s $54.7 million salary for next season.

That means the Sixers have an opportunity to strike—but will they? Or will Morey once again overthink things, waiting for a mythical “perfect” deal while other teams swoop in and make moves? This franchise has wasted too many prime years of Joel Embiid’s career. It’s time to go all-in and get the superstar talent needed to actually compete for a title.

Kevin Durant will forever be on of the NBA’s most underrated players of all time

Congratulations to Kevin Durant on passing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 8th most FTM in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/54WiN3rZAl

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) March 11, 2025

For the Sixers, this presents an opportunity that cannot be ignored. While the Suns won’t be able to command the type of return they once gave up for Durant—when they traded Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap—the 14-time All-Star is still an elite scorer. Durant is averaging nearly 27 points per game this season on a highly efficient 53/40/83 shooting split, and any team acquiring him will also inherit his Bird rights, giving them the advantage in negotiating his next contract.

With Joel Embiid in his prime and Tyrese Maxey blossoming into an All-Star-caliber player, adding Kevin Durant would immediately put the Sixers at the forefront of the NBA title race. The question isn’t whether Durant would fit in Philadelphia—his ability to score at all three levels and space the floor would be a perfect complement to Embiid and Maxey—but rather what it would take for the Sixers to get him.

Jared McCain should be borderline, untouchable in a KD trade

One thing that should be non-negotiable for the Sixers in any potential trade is keeping Jared McCain. The rookie guard represents a crucial part of Philadelphia’s future, and the team needs to maintain a young core around Embiid and Durant to remain competitive for years to come. McCain’s scoring ability, defensive upside, and overall potential make him a key piece moving forward, and the Sixers should be prioritizing his development alongside their championship aspirations.

KD and Embiid would be unstoppable…

If the Sixers land Kevin Durant, pairing him with Joel Embiid would create one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. Both players are nearly seven feet tall with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Durant’s elite midrange game, combined with Embiid’s dominance in the post and pick-and-pop ability, would make them impossible to defend. The pick-and-roll game between the two would be even more lethal than what we saw with Embiid and James Harden—except this time, the ball handler is a seven-footer with a guard’s skillset.

No defense in the league would have an answer for two elite scorers who can get their shot off at will from anywhere on the court. If the Sixers make this move, they instantly become one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the NBA.

The Urgency to win now

At the end of the day, the Sixers cannot afford to let another offseason pass without making a franchise-altering move. Daryl Morey needs to put his obsession with asset management aside and recognize that championship windows do not last forever. Joel Embiid deserves a real shot at a title, and Kevin Durant might be the best option to make that happen.

While there is a small chance the Sixers win the NBA Draft Lottery and land Cooper Flagg, banking on that kind of miracle is not a real strategy. If the asking price is reasonable and the opportunity is there, the Sixers need to act now—because waiting for the perfect deal might just mean missing out on greatness altogether.

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