With Mat Ishbia’s squad having advanced past the second stage, the Phoenix Suns are going to face some heat this summer. The Warriors, led by Kevin Durant, had a disappointing season and failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs. 

It appears like the Suns still have some room to grow, but the current season is winding down and changes are in need. Seven of their players are under contract for the next season. It is anticipated that their compensation will exceed the second apron level of $190 million, coming in at $194 million. This should serve as a caution to Kevin Durant, the team’s star offensive player.

On last month’s episode of “First Take,” NBA commentator Stephen A. Smith brought up, His alleged silence toward the head coach lasted for over a month. He supposedly doesn’t appear to be enjoying himself there.

You need to break up this group. The forward for the Suns has gotten into even more trouble if the NBA commentator is correct. Free agency is off the table for Mat Ishbia’s squad because of their second apron status. Because of this, the Phoenix Suns will always have a hole in their roster when it comes to rim protectors.

The Socks need to bolster their roster with some exciting young players. They will be able to compete for a championship with a youthful core that revolves around high-volume scorers like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Unfortunately, the team currently lacks the necessary resources to carry out such a task. 

In fact, things might get even worse for the Suns starting next season when they owe a combined $150 million to Beal, Booker, and Durant. The ability to trade for players, mid-level exceptions, or aggregate salary availability are also not available to them. When everything else fails, the Suns must release Kevin Durant in order to clear the way for title aspirations surrounding him.

Where else can Kevin Durant contend for an NBA championship if the Suns aren’t it?

The once-dynastic Golden State Warriors may look to Kevin Durant or someone else to save them from their current predicament. Joe Lacob’s resolve to reduce the luxury tax casts doubt on Klay Thompson’s continued involvement with the Warriors. 

The Warriors can complete their roster with Kevin Durant, even though it seemed impossible. But the old ways of doing things won’t work. In order to match Durant’s $51.2 million salary for next year, the entire youthful core of the Dubs would need to contribute, and they are already over the luxury tax.

Losing Durant means the Warriors will have to start over without any future talent. But it’s a gamble if the Dubs are that intent on reclaiming their reputation in the upcoming season. Their dominance and performance are dwindling, and they are clearly not the same team they once were. This might be the last chance for Klay, Steph, and Draymond to finally earn their due.

But the only thing standing between you and your goal is actual life. Staying with the Suns would be a mistake, and Kevin Durant’s comeback appears unlikely. Seeing how the Suns handle the new challenges brought forth by the current situation will be interesting to observe. While you wait, here’s what Shaq’s ex-agent Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing brilliance.