Durant is among the most plug-and-play superstars in league history. The Thunder don't have to worry about his arrival derailing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren. They also have the draft-pick stash and room beneath the luxury tax to make the math work without obliterating too much of the rotation.

Kevin Durant isn't expected to join the Suns on their three-game road trip after spraining his left ankle Sunday, coach Mike Budenholzer said Tuesday, adding that he's hopeful the 11-time all-NBA forward will return before the end of the regular season.

In his 17-year career, Durant has been named to 11 All-NBA teams—six times on the first team and five on the second, most recently last season with Phoenix. Despite the Suns’