1. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are already a team the Lakers are going to have a hard time dealing with this season. Despite relying on an aging Chris Paul Phoenix’s depth and coaching will make them a team to be feared in the west this season. The last time the Lakers were in the playoffs it was a young Suns team that ended their playoff hopes and took the west back from the Lakers.
For Kevin Durant to join this team, however, they are going to have to pay. Devin Booker and Chris Paul are both likely off the board for the Suns leaving a trade package built around Deandre Ayton, Cameron Payne, and Mikal Bridges.
For the cap space to work out the Suns would likely need to get a third team involved to help make this trade work.
The one problem for this deal (or bright side for Lakers fans) is the fact the Suns lack the obvious player and pick assets they will likely be willing to give up to bring Durant to Phoenix. If you’re the Nets why would picks and a package of Ayton and Bridges interest you for one of the best three players in the league?
Despite Durant including the Suns on his trade request, the Suns are not in the best position to acquire the Nets star. For a trade to work the Suns would need a third team involved. Leaving hope that Durant won’t leave the east for a team who would clearly beat the Lakers.