Blockbuster Trade Idea: Clippers Could Create Big 3 With Kevin Durant; Last Chance For An NBA Championship
Blockbuster Trade Idea: Clippers Could Create Big 3 With Kevin Durant; Last Chance For An NBA Championship originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
Kevin Durant's next move could reshape the Western Conference, and there's a compelling buzz building around Los Angeles. With the Phoenix Suns exploring trade options and KD reportedly eyeing San Antonio, Houston, Miami, and possibly the L.A. Clippers, word is spreading that L.A.'s blue-chip duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden could add another superstar to the mix in this trade idea.
Advertisement
After near-miss assemblies in past summers, a fresh opportunity to form a true 'Big Three' may finally be within reach, and it involves an interesting reunion between Kevin Durant and James Harden. The Clippers have shown elite-level performance recently, winning 50+ games and securing a Pacific Division title behind Kawhi, Harden, and elite coach Tyronn Lue.
However, bringing in Durant would ignite their offense even further, layering in his unparalleled three-level scoring and playoff experience. But a successful counteroffer will require navigating salary constraints and offering the Suns value.
In this piece, we'll introduce a blockbuster trade scenario that puts Durant on the Clippers, analyze the pros and cons for both franchises, and evaluate whether this could be L.A.'s final best shot at a championship run. Let's break it all down.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, 2026 second-round pick (MEM), 2031 first-round pick (LAC)
Clippers Form A Big Three That Will Place Them Among The Top 4 In The West
Acquiring Kevin Durant instantly elevates the Clippers into championship conversation, forming a powerhouse three-headed monster alongside stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. LA's current core, Leonard (former Defensive Player of the Year) and Harden (former MVP), has taken them to consecutive 50-win seasons.
Advertisement
Adding Durant, who averaged 26.6 PPG on .527/.430/.839 shooting splits with 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks this season, gives the Clippers an all-time elite offensive trio capable of rivaling any in the league. His presence forces opponents to stretch their defense, creating easier drives for Harden or open catch-and-shoot looks for role players.
Coach Tyronn Lue, who has experience with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, knows how to manage rosters with multiple ball-dominant stars, a potential edge for LA. The proposed package, Zubac, Powell, a 2026 second-rounder, and a 2031 first-rounder, strikes a balance between winning now and planning for the future. While KD is 36 and approaching decline, the upside, an inside-out superstar fusion, makes this trade the Clippers' best shot at serious title contention.
Suns Recoup Two Starters Around Devin Booker And Gain Future Assets
For Phoenix, the proposed return of Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and future picks offers a reset around Devin Booker. Zubac provides much-needed interior presence; he averaged a career year and would address Phoenix's long-standing issues with rim protection.
Advertisement
Powell adds instant scoring punch as a proven 20-point-per-game contributor, including standout performances like a 41‑point outburst this season. This package helps Phoenix recover flexibility: Powell's expiring deal ($20,482,758 in 2025-26) provides cap relief, and the draft assets, a 2026 second-rounder from Memphis and a 2031 Clippers first-rounder, lay groundwork for future retooling.
With the franchise entering its fourth coaching cycle in as many years and capped into large contracts, shedding Durant's salary while bringing in rotation and picks helps realign their timeline. Most importantly, this seismic shift reframes Phoenix's core.
Pairing Booker with Zubac and Powell, both efficient, basketball-savvy veterans, provides a balanced foundation of shooting, defense, and leadership. It's not a quick return to Finals contention, but it gives the Suns breathing room for a smarter rebuild and better roster construction.
A Blockbuster Trade Idea That Makes Sense For Both Sides
This trade perfectly balances both franchises' priorities. The Clippers gain a generational scorer to complement Leonard and Harden, transforming them into title contenders. KD's fit alongside Lue's system, and LA's shooting-focused supporting cast seems almost cinematic in its potential.
Advertisement
Phoenix, on the other hand, moves entrenched payroll for functional assets: a defensive anchor in Zubac, floor-spacing in Powell, and long-dated picks that restore strategic flexibility. Those picks, while distant, provide peace of mind in an uncertain free-agent market, exactly what the Suns need after mortgaging much of their future on Durant.
In short, this deal gives LA its best shot at a championship window without gutting continuity, while giving Phoenix clarity and room to rebuild smart. It may not match Brooklyn's legendary package for Durant in 2023, but these are tough trade winds in a changed landscape, and this one sails smoothly for both sides.
Related: NBA Insider Hints At A Potential Kevin Durant-James Harden Reunion Amid Trade Rumors
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wings' Paige Bueckers makes WNBA history with performance vs. Fever
The post Wings' Paige Bueckers makes WNBA history with performance vs. Fever appeared first on ClutchPoints. Paige Bueckers made incredible WNBA history during Friday's matchup between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever. Advertisement In 36 minutes of action, Bueckers lit up the nets against the Fever's defense. She put up a stat line of 27 points, six assists, two steals, two blocks, and a rebound. She shot 9-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Her efforts helped her set a new WNBA record, per Polymarket Hoops. She became the first player to have a stat line of 25 or more points, five or more assists, two or more steals, two or more blocks, and zero turnovers. How Paige Bueckers, Wings played against Fever Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Despite Paige Bueckers' historic night, it wasn't enough as the Wings suffered a 94-86 loss to the Fever at home. Advertisement Despite missing Caitlin Clark due to injury, the Fever jumped out to a 33-13 lead and never looked back. Even though the Wings cut the deficit to single digits as time went on, they were unable to recover from their slow start. Indiana was highly effective with its shot selection, making 59.3% of their total attempts. This is in significant contrast to the 42.6% shot accuracy from Dallas' end. Rebounding also played a role as the Fever beat the Wings 32-23 in that area. Three players scored in double-digits on Dallas' behalf, including Bueckers. Arike Ogunbowale finished with 15 points, a rebound, an assist, a steal, and a block. She shot 5-of-12 overall, including 1-of-4 from downtown, and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. Aziaha James came next with 14 points and two assists, Myisha Hines-Allen had nine points and three assists, while NaLyssa Smith and Li Yueru provided seven points each. Dallas fell to a 4-13 record on the season, remaining at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Sparks and four games behind the Las Vegas Aces. The Wings will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Washington Mystics on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET. Related: Wings' Paige Bueckers reveals how Kyrie Irving inspired 'unguardable' motivation Related: Paige Bueckers reacts to Caitlin Clark missing Fever-Wings game with injury
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Will the NFC East finally have a repeat division winner?
Knowledgeable Commanders fans know the statistic: It's been since 2004 that an NFC East team has repeated as divisional champion. Yes, it was the Eagles; in fact, it was the last of Philadelphia's four consecutive NFC East titles. Strange as it sounds, it's true, no NFC East team has repeated since. Advertisement Kevin Sheehan of Team 980 discussed the phenomenon on Friday. Sheehan pointed out that four writers covering the four NFC East teams had a dialogue/story this week discussing the NFC East in 2025. John Keim, Washington's ESPN beat reporter, predicted that the Eagles will break the string and win the division. Keim basically said, How can you go against the Eagles after the season they had last year? Keim did point out that the Commanders do have the quarterback to threaten the Eagles, but remaining objective, had to admit what we all know is the major question mark for Washington in 2025. Will their defense make a large enough jump to challenge the Eagles for the division title in 2025? Sheehan cautioned Commanders fans not to overlook the fact that the Cowboys do have good offensive talent in quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb, and, now this offseason, they added receiver George Pickens. The best Cowboy is Micah Parsons, and they drafted a highly regarded pass rusher and signed former Commanders edge rusher Dante Fowler. The Giants will be very strong on the defensive line. Their defense has been good, and they added Abdul Carter (EDGE) in the draft. Can Russell Wilson bring them steady play at quarterback? If Wilson doesn't get the job done, will Jameis Winston prove to be adequate? Or, do the Giants turn to rookie Jaxson Dart? Receiver Malik Nabers (LSU) exhibited enough last season to prove he is the real deal. The Eagles have stud defensive tackles, the best linebacker in the division, the best running back, the best offensive line and perhaps the best duo of wide receivers. They ran the ball down Washington's throat in the NFC Championship game and entirely dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Can the Commanders overtake the Eagles to keep NFC East streak intact
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
UFC 317 full fight: Ilia Topuria defends title with historic knockout of Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria shook the MMA world in his last trip to the octagon. Apart from defending the UFC featherweight title, Topuria became the first man to knock out Max Holloway – something many thought to be impossible in this sport given his proven durability and chin. Topuria promised he'd put out the Hawaiian at UFC 308, and that he did, pressuring him and using his elite movement and boxing to corner him and connect with big shots. It was one of the most impressive showings in all combat sports in 2024. Advertisement You can rewatch Topuria's historic knockout finish of Holloway in the video above. Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) returns to the cage this Saturday in the main event of UFC 317, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). He takes on former champion Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) for the vacant lightweight title. Topuria, who vacated the featherweight belt earlier this year, is attempting to pick up his second divisional title. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 317 full fight: Ilia Topuria gives Max Holloway first KO loss
