Scott Clark
Aug 21, 2023 - 10:40

Anthony Edwards Reveals Why Kevin Durant Is His Favorite Player

Phoenix Suns consider trading Deandre Ayton for Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody to add depth to their roster.

In a recent interview, Edwards expressed his admiration for Durant, stating that the Suns star reminds him of himself. Durant, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, has an impressive career record with averages of 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He has also secured numerous accolades, including two championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, and four scoring titles. Furthermore, Durant has been selected for 13 All-Star teams and 10 All-NBA teams, solidifying his status as a future Hall of Famer. He currently ranks fourth in NBA history in points per game and 13th in total points.

On the other hand, Edwards has quickly established himself as one of the league's top young players. With career averages of 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, the 22-year-old shooting guard has already made a significant impact. In 2023, Edwards earned his first All-Star selection, and it is highly likely that he will participate in many more All-Star Games in the future.

In an intriguing trade proposal, the Phoenix Suns are rumored to be acquiring Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody, three highly regarded players in the NBA. Wiggins, who played 37 games for the Golden State Warriors last season, showcased his skills by averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also displayed impressive shooting percentages, with 47.3% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 61.1% from the free-throw line. Wiggins played a pivotal role in the Warriors' 2022 championship victory over the Boston Celtics, which led to him receiving a lucrative four-year, $109 million contract extension in October 2022. With career averages of 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, Wiggins has proven himself to be a valuable asset throughout his career.

According to Tran, a trade of this magnitude would provide the Phoenix Suns with three quality players who can contribute to the team's depth and overall roster balance. Tran argues that while DeAndre Ayton is undoubtedly a talented player, splitting his value among multiple players can enhance the Suns' chances of winning a championship. As the Suns have an older roster, having depth becomes crucial in order to withstand potential injuries to key players. This trade has the potential to propel the Phoenix Suns ahead of their Western Conference rivals. Although trading Ayton carries some risk, Tran believes it is a risk worth taking in this particular scenario.

Despite the trade rumors surrounding Ayton, the Suns have not yet found a viable trade option that would maintain or improve their title odds, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. The Suns reportedly engaged in discussions with the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers regarding Ayton but ultimately decided to retain the former No. 1 overall pick while trading Chris Paul for Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards.

Ayton, who had an impressive regular season with averages of 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, faced some struggles in the 2023 playoffs. In the 10 games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, Ayton's performance declined, averaging 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. Specifically, in the series against the Nuggets, Ayton's numbers dropped to 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and he failed to record a positive plus-minus rating in any of the games.

In conclusion, the NBA landscape is buzzing with trade rumors and discussions, particularly surrounding the Phoenix Suns. With the potential acquisition of Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody, the Suns aim to bolster their roster and increase their chances of winning a championship. While the future of DeAndre Ayton remains uncertain, the Suns are carefully evaluating their options to ensure they make the best decision for the team's success. Only time will tell how these potential trades will shape the NBA landscape and the fortunes of the teams involved.