Kevin Durant trade scenario: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and every Suns player, draft pick available in possible deal with Nets

Kyle Irving

Kevin Durant trade scenario: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and every Suns player, draft pick available in possible deal with Nets image

The NBA world is buzzing about a potential Kevin Durant deal following the news that the Pacers have reportedly offered Deandre Ayton a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet.

While Phoenix has 48 hours to match that offer, it comes with some baggage. If the Suns let Ayton walk for nothing in return, there is a No. 1 overall pick-sized void in their frontcourt. If they match the offer, Ayton still cannot be included in a potential deal for Durant, as he won't be able to be dealt until Jan. 15, 2023, and will have the power to veto any trade for a calendar year.

MORE: Deandre Ayton contract details: Pacers extend max offer sheet

How does all of this impact the chance of Durant landing in Phoenix, which was one of his preferred destinations?

Take a look at the assets the Suns could move to land the all-time great below.

What the Suns can trade for Kevin Durant

Available/unavailable players

Ayton, Devin Booker, Damion Lee, Bismack Biyombo and Josh Okogie all cannot be included in a deal for Durat because they each have signing restrictions. Everyone else on Phoenix's roster is available.

MORE: Five burning questions about a potential Durant to Warriors deal

Value-matching aside, the Suns would also have to get in the realm of Durant's salary of $44.1 million for the 2022-23 season in a deal.

Suns cap sheet for 2022-23 season (Spotrac)
Player 2022-23 salary
Chris Paul $28.4 million
Mikal Bridges $21 million
Jae Crowder $10.2 million
Landry Shamet $9.5 million
Dario Saric $9.2 million
Cameron Payne $6 million
Cameron Johnson $5.9 million
Torrey Craig $5.1 million

Available draft picks

The Suns have full control of their future first- and second-round draft picks. 

Suns future draft picks
  First round Second round
2023 Own Own
2024 Own Own
2025 Own Own
2026 Own Own
2027 Own Own
2028 Own Own

Available trade exception(s)

The Suns have their Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception ($10.5 million) and their Bi-Annual exception ($4.1 million) available for use.

It's important to note that only one of these exceptions may be used in a season and they cannot be combined.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.