This is what the Lakers need to pursue Kevin Durant's signing

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Tue, 03/18/2025 - 18:45

Options for the Lakers to sign Durant. Photo: gettyimages

In case Los Angeles Lakers decide to go after a glorious Big 3 by joining Kevin Durant with LeBron and Doncic, they know they will have to offer things in exchange to a needy Phoenix Suns team. The Suns need to stay under KD's salary but also not lose power in their roster as they aim to compete.

A summer full of NBA rumors looms around Kevin Durant and his imminent departure from the Phoenix Suns. The Arizona franchise is not going to give away their player, even knowing he has requested to leave, but they expect to receive things in return that will allow them to offer an interesting competitive environment to Devin Booker, the cornerstone around which they continue to aim for important achievements. Los Angeles Lakers are seriously considering pursuing a historic partnership, a trio set to dominate the NBA and contend for glory in the next two years.

The feasibility of the operation largely depends on how this season ends for the Los Angeles franchise. If the team does not advance much in the playoffs and the supporting cast does not step up, Rob Pelinka may take the plunge and decide to part ways with players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber in order to recruit Kevin Durant. This package would be enough to match Durant's salary in Phoenix Suns, who might consider the trade favorable. It would be a risky move for Los Angeles Lakers, but seeing Durant, James, and Doncic playing together on the court would be one of the most incredible things in NBA history.

If the Lakers wanted to make a push for a Kevin Durant trade, they have the necessary salaries:

Durant: $54,708,609

Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber = $54,696,833

After the Mark Williams trade was rescinded, Los Angeles can deal some draft capital too. pic.twitter.com/0lR5wXZOUl
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 17, 2025