The Golden State Warriors didn’t even make the playoffs this season. The Phoenix Suns were swept in the first round.
Both star-laden rosters could easily justify pretty dramatic shakeups (even if Suns owner Mat Ishbia thinks his team is in a “great” position).
And today, we’re going to offer them one.
During the season, Jonathan Kuminga found himself in plenty of trade rumors.
And this offseason, there’s already been plenty of speculation about a potential reunion between Kevin Durant and the Warriors.
Here, we’ll take those hypotheticals to their logical ends, while also looping in the Orlando Magic to facilitate the move (and make life a little easier for their up-and-coming star forwards).
As we always do with these three- and four-team megadeals, we’ll set the stage before explaining why each team should say yes.
It helps to see the entire framework in one glance.
Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, Caleb Houstan, a 2025 first-round pick from Orlando (via Denver), a 2026 first-round pick from Golden State, a 2028 first-round pick from Golden State
Suns Lose: Kevin Durant and a 2028 second-round pick (via Boston)
Magic Receive: Chris Paul, Gary Payton II and a 2028 second-round pick (via Boston)
Magic Lose: Jett Howard, Caleb Houstan and a 2025 first-round pick (via Denver)
Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant and Jett Howard
Warriors Lose: Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick
Feel free to quibble over some of the picks or smaller contracts here.
The point, as always, is the foundational pieces involved.
And below, you’ll find out why the foundation works for everyone.
