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