The Kevin Durant trade saga appears to be heating up as the NBA offseason approaches. According to reports, the Phoenix Suns superstar has identified a narrow list of preferred destinations should he be moved – a development that adds an intriguing layer to ongoing trade discussions.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, reportedly favors a trade to either the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, or Houston Rockets. Sources indicate the veteran forward is willing to commit to a long-term contract extension with any of these three teams if a deal is finalized.
However, the ultimate decision rests with the Phoenix Suns. The team has reportedly communicated to the six to eight franchises expressing serious interest that their priority is securing the best possible trade package for the organization, regardless of Durant’s personal preferences.
Suns Focused on Franchise Needs
This stance suggests the Suns are not bound by Durant’s wishlist, aiming to maximize their return for the future Hall of Famer. Executing a “fair-value deal” for a player of Durant’s caliber, who will turn 37 in September but remains highly productive, is inherently challenging. The market conditions, where other teams reportedly hesitate to include key young assets, may influence what constitutes the “best deal” for Phoenix.
Trade discussions could move quickly, with some reports suggesting a deal could happen within the “next few days.” Among the teams that have reportedly gained “serious traction” in talks with the Suns are two from Durant’s preferred list, the Heat and the Rockets, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Separately, the New York Knicks are reportedly not currently in the mix. While the Timberwolves have had traction, reports suggest a deal with them is unlikely due to their reluctance to include key players like Jaden McDaniels. The possibility of a “wild-card” team emerging with an enticing offer also exists.
Contract Situation and Future Outlook
Durant is entering the final year of his current contract, set to earn $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season. A trade would make him eligible for a significant two-year contract extension worth up to $122 million starting as early as July 6th, 2025, potentially increasing slightly if signed later. His willingness to commit long-term to his preferred destinations is a key factor, potentially influencing teams outside that list who might be hesitant to trade significant assets for a player who could leave in a year.
Why These Destinations? Potential Fits and Challenges
The appeal of Durant’s preferred destinations is multifaceted:
Miami Heat: The Heat consistently seek star power and offer a potentially compelling fit in the Eastern Conference. The absence of a state income tax is also cited as a potential draw. However, questions remain about the Heat’s willingness to part with coveted young assets like Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr., which they were reportedly hesitant to do in past trade discussions.
San Antonio Spurs: With a foundational superstar in Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs represent a young team looking to accelerate their rebuild. Adding a veteran like Durant could provide invaluable leadership and scoring punch. Yet, trading the young assets needed to acquire Durant, especially with a core built for the future including talents like Wembanyama and young guards like Stephon Castle, presents a philosophical hurdle for San Antonio.
- Houston Rockets: Further along in their development than the Spurs, the Rockets boast a mix of promising young players and established veterans. Acquiring Durant could elevate their competitiveness significantly. Similar to the Spurs, however, Houston would likely need to sacrifice some of their young core to make a deal happen.
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Reports from earlier in the year also indicated Durant had previously declined a potential trade back to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline, suggesting his preference played a role then. However, this time around, sources indicate his preference is less likely to be the deciding factor for the Suns.
Phoenix’s Recent Struggles Pave the Way
The backdrop to this trade speculation is the Phoenix Suns’ disappointing performance over the past two seasons. The highly anticipated “Big 3” pairing of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal failed to deliver, resulting in a first-round playoff sweep in 2024 and the firing of head coach Frank Vogel after just one season. The 2024-25 season saw the team finish 36-46 under new coach Mike Budenholzer, again missing the playoffs and leading to another coaching change with the recent hiring of Jordan Ott. These struggles likely contribute to the organization’s openness to making significant roster changes.
Despite the team’s woes, Kevin Durant continues to perform at an elite level. In the past season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games, shooting an efficient 52.7 percent from the field, including 43 percent from 3-point range. He holds a unique NBA record as the only player to average at least 25 points, 50% field goal shooting, and 40% three-point shooting for three consecutive seasons.
As trade talks intensify, the NBA world watches keenly to see where one of the league’s premier talents will play next, potentially starting a new chapter in his decorated career.
