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The Phoenix Suns have made it no secret that Kevin Durant is on the market. While he will turn 37 years old prior to the start of next season, the 15-time All-Star continued to play at an elite level in 2024-25.
He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from three-point range and 83.9% from the free-throw line. Despite Durant's strong play, Phoenix failed to reach the postseason leading to their desire to blow things up and get under the second apron of the luxury tax.
John Gambadoro of 98.7 Phoenix recently revealed the best young player that the Suns can hope to get in a potential deal.
"The best young player that I think you might be able to get in any of these deals is Jabari Smith, man," 98.7 FM Phoenix's John Gambadoro claimed Wednesday. "He was the third pick overall in the draft a few years ago out of Auburn. This kid's good. Jabari Smith's a good player. He's a power forward. The Suns could use a power forward. They really could."
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While Smith has shown upside in his three-year career, he fell out of the Houston Rockets starting rotation in 2024-25. He appeared in 57 games, making 39 starts.
The third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft averaged 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, all of which were career-lows. He shot 43.8% from the field, 35.4% from three-point range and 82.5% from the free-throw line. Despite his production taking a step in the wrong direction, Smith's potential could make him a coveted piece in a potential trade as a change of scenery could lead to a breakout.
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