A Kevin Durant trade for the Washington Wizards would be the most ideal swing the team could pitch to big man Anthony Davis as a way to prove they're serious about contending now.
The Wizards have been mentioned as one of the teams to monitor this offseason if the Houston Rockets elect to move on from star forward.
Washington's pursuit of Durant would be a dream come true for a fanbase that has long envisioned the opportunity to watch the D.C. native represent their hometown team.
For the Wizards, any decision to make a move for Durant would hinge on the team's vision for their young roster and whether or not they believe the bold swing to win-now would be the best for the long-term goals, especially if the price is right.
Beyond that, though, the acquisition of Durant would show Davis that their plans to compete in the Eastern Conference sooner rather than later isn't just smoke.
Kevin Durant would make the Wizards a threat in East, help AD buy in
Davis hasn't truly made his stance on his future with the Wizards clear.
The big man has said he's been impressed by the organization early on, but he's also made it clear that he wants to contend for a championship wherever he is, and at 33, it's hard to blame him for that.
With Trae Young already being a legit running mate for Davis, there's already momentum for the Wizards to get Davis to buy in, but the acquisition of Durant would only solidify how serious the team is about making a run for a playoff spot now.
At 37, Durant is still playing at an MVP-level, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on efficient shooting splits of 52.0% from field goal range and 41.3% from beyond the arc.
The only caveat to a Durant blockbuster, though, would be deciding if the addition of the veteran would be worth taking minutes away from a young core, who's proven they're ready to contribute to winning.
Durant would steal minutes from Kyshawn George & Will Riley
Under no circumstance would the Wizards trade for KD to sit on the bench, nor would they land him for him to be a role player.
Durant is a superstar, and he'll play superstar minutes, which in turn would take away time from emerging forwards Kyshawn George and Will Riley.
At the same time, there may not be a better player to mentor the two wings, especially if the Wizards have plans to be in the mix both next year and for years to come.
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