Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has sent shockwaves through NBA discussions. The hypothetical trade would involve the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for two of Cleveland’s rising stars, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Trade Details

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns receive: Darius Garland and Evan Mobley

In this proposed deal, the Cavaliers would address their long-standing need for a star wing player. Adding Durant, even at 36 years old, would instantly make Cleveland a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Durant remains one of the league’s elite scorers, capable of playing both on and off the ball, which would complement the Cavaliers’ current star, Donovan Mitchell.

Together, Mitchell and Durant would create a devastating offensive duo, putting pressure on opposing defenses with their ability to score in various ways. This partnership would also allow Cleveland to maintain its size and defensive versatility, with Durant stepping in at the 4 spot while still providing the necessary spacing the Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt has struggled to offer.

For the Phoenix Suns, this trade would provide them with an opportunity to retool their roster around younger players without sacrificing competitiveness. Over the last four seasons, Darius Garland has become one of the league’s premier young point guards.

His arrival in Phoenix would give the Suns a dynamic playmaker to run the offense alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Additionally, Garland’s scoring ability would add another layer to the Suns’ offense, making them a more unpredictable and dangerous team.

Evan Mobley, the 23-year-old rising star, would give Phoenix a cornerstone big man to build around. Mobley’s elite defensive skills, combined with his untapped offensive potential, could make him the perfect frontcourt partner for Booker. If the Suns can unlock Mobley’s perimeter game, he could become a devastating pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop player in Phoenix, extending the Suns’ competitive window for years to come.

The trade could be particularly enticing for both teams if their early-season performances aren’t meeting expectations. For Cleveland, Durant’s addition would instantly elevate their status as contenders, while Phoenix could ensure long-term competitiveness by acquiring two young stars to replace an aging Durant. The deal would not only benefit both franchises in the present but also offer Phoenix a path to continued success as their current stars age.

Although speculative, this proposed trade underscores how aggressive teams might need to be in pursuing championships and balancing short-term success with long-term potential.

The Cavaliers Should Welcome This Deal But The Suns Shouldn’t Even Think About This Trade

The proposed trade that would send Kevin Durant to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and Evan Mobley might sound intriguing, but it’s a deal that the Phoenix Suns should steer clear of. While the Cavaliers would likely jump at the chance to add a player of Durant’s caliber, the Suns should not even entertain the idea of moving their future Hall of Famer, despite his age.

First and foremost, Durant remains one of the league’s elite players, even at 36 years old. His scoring, versatility, and experience in high-stakes situations make him invaluable to a Suns team that is in full “win-now” mode. Phoenix has built its current roster with championship aspirations, surrounding Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal with the tools necessary to make a deep playoff run.

Swapping Durant for younger assets, like Garland and Mobley, would shift the Suns’ timeline toward a long-term rebuild—something that does not align with their current strategy. Durant’s unique ability to take over games and his proven playoff success are essential for the Suns to contend for a title now, not years down the line.