Kevin Durant has remained one of the NBA‘s top stars for nearly two decades. Age does not seem to be taking its toll on the Phoenix Suns forward, who continues to post exceptional numbers at 36 years old. However, the end of his professional career is drawing closer, which is why New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony offered him surprising advice.
“KD to the Wizards. I would like to see him with the Wizards. That’s just me personally… That would be dope,” Anthony said on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. “Go back home, your family, your mom, friends there. Go rekindle that fire back out there in D.C.”
Then Carmelo added: “End it back home, you ain’t gonna go chase, you ain’t gonna go with these other teams that’s out there. You already got your rings. Go to the Wizards, bring the energy back to D.C., your home.”
As Anthony points out, Durant was born in Washington, D.C., in 1988 but has spent his entire career away from home. In college, he shined with the Texas Longhorns, and then on his NBA journey, he played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns.
Carmelo believes Washington is a good fit for Durant
Continuing his thoughts, Carmelo Anthony discussed the Washington Wizards‘ current roster. “They got pieces now, the Wizards. Marcus Smart, Khris Middleton, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and (Malcolm) Brogdon there,” he said. “You got vets on your team now.”
Anthony then made it clear that the players the Wizards currently have could not only help Durant in a hypothetical future together on the court but could also serve as bargaining chips in a potential trade with the Suns. “Man, trade all that (expletive). Man, we’re bringing KD home. Ain’t like we’re gonna be nice over the next three years.”
Finally, Carmelo sent a message to the Washington Wizards about what it would mean to have Durant in their ranks: “Let KD bring the energy back, flood the arena, sell the tickets. Bring the smoke back into the arena. Give KD his farewell tour after a couple of years.”
Kevin Durant’s future
Carmelo Anthony’s opinion on Kevin Durant’s future comes amid heavy speculation about what the forward will do once this season ends. KD recently made it clear that he had no intention of leaving the Phoenix Suns in the middle of the season, which is why he turned down the Golden State Warriors.
However, the situation could look entirely different come summer. “They’re gonna trade him, and he knows that. I think everybody’s intentions are crystal clear here,” reporter Brian Windhorst recently said on ESPN about Durant and his link to the Suns. Once that becomes a reality, it remains to be seen whether KD will join a team with title aspirations or, following Carmelo Anthony’s advice, decide to return home.