29 Blockbuster trades involving Kevin Durant
By Tony Pesta
![OAKLAND, CA - MAY 1: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans look on in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) OAKLAND, CA - MAY 1: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans look on in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/619f54fa5c84e8cf24c84fc1e75ee6eccbed929c9320589398e0a7bac8cc7e79.jpg)
23. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of being a championship contending team. With Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner leading the way, the Pacers have crawled their way to third place in the Eastern Conference.
Oladipo is playing at a career-high level, pouring in 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He has taken his leadership to a new level, bringing the best out of his teammates in every game. Oladipo is also striving as a late-game finisher and willing his team to victory.
However, the Pacers are in desperate need of a 3-point shooter. They currently rank dead-last in the NBA for 3-pointers made per game. Therefore, trading away assets for Durant is something they should look into.
Giving up Domantas Sabonis, Tyreke Evans and two first round picks is obviously gutting a lot of the team. Sending over multiple first-round picks as well as a promising bench player and a versatile forward in Evans is a lot to ask for a franchise. But, I think acquiring KD outweighs all the potential effects of trading away that many assets.
The Warriors gain a stockpile of valuable draft picks and a great prospect with Sabonis. Developing Sabonis could turn him into a seriously good player and help the Warriors prepare for their future.