The NBA offseason is heating up, with less than three weeks until free agency and two until the 2025 NBA draft. Reports indicate that Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns have engaged in discussions regarding potential trade destinations. Key teams mentioned as possibilities include the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sources suggest that several other teams could also be involved.
To explore these possibilities, several basketball analysts were asked to propose realistic trade scenarios for the two-time Finals MVP. A front office expert then evaluated these proposed deals to determine the best option for Phoenix, as the franchise looks to adjust its costly and underperforming roster.
Latest on Durant`s Future
Durant is entering the final year of a four-year, $198 million contract extension. Although he doesn`t possess a no-trade clause like his teammate Bradley Beal, Durant has influence over his next destination.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that`s the only thing,” Durant stated recently. “That`s the only thing I`m worried about. Because I see a lot of dudes that don`t get that opportunity, so I want to keep putting in that work to make that choice on my own.”
Two primary factors will likely impact a trade. First, is Durant willing to sign a potential two-year, $112 million extension with the acquiring team? Given his free agency eligibility in 2026, teams may be hesitant to trade significant assets for a one-year commitment. The number of teams projected to have considerable cap space is expected to rise significantly by 2026.
Second, and crucial, can the team trading for Durant realistically contend for a championship? At 36 years old, his next move will likely be his final chance to pursue a third championship ring.
Five Hypothetical Trade Offers for KD
Houston Rockets
Rockets acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale, No. 10 pick in 2025, first-round pick in 2027 (via Phoenix)
Why it makes sense for both sides: The Rockets are a suitable partner for the Suns. Durant fits Houston`s need for a top scorer, which was evident in their struggles with half-court offense last season. Even at 36, he would significantly boost their scoring punch. The Rockets also hold Phoenix`s future draft picks, potentially allowing the Suns to reacquire some assets they previously traded for Durant.
This package could help Phoenix remain competitive around Devin Booker without a full rebuild. Brooks provides a useful 3-and-D wing. Sheppard and Whitmore offer young, high-upside talent, although they haven`t fully established themselves. Landale is included for salary matching. Reacquiring their own picks would give the Suns flexibility. For Houston, they upgrade from Brooks to Durant without giving up their core young players or significant contributors.
Due to taking back more salary, the Rockets would need to manage their cap situation, likely declining Fred VanVleet`s team option and re-signing him at a lower salary, also allowing them to re-sign Steven Adams while staying below the first luxury tax apron.
Miami Heat
Heat acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: Nikola Jovic, Andrew Wiggins, 2025 first-round pick (via Golden State), 2030 first-round pick (via Miami), 2026 second-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Nets acquire: Duncan Robinson, Keshad Johnson, 2029 first-round swap (top-4 protected), 2031 first-round swap (top-4 protected), 2031 second-round pick (via better of Indiana and Miami)
Why it makes sense for both sides: Miami may struggle to match offers from teams with more premium assets. However, if other potential suitors don`t commit, Miami could offer value. This three-team deal helps facilitate the trade by sending salary (Duncan Robinson) to Brooklyn in exchange for draft compensation.
For Phoenix, this trade significantly reduces their 2025-26 payroll, offering potential luxury tax savings or cap space for other moves. Wiggins, who has shown improvement, and Jovic would bolster their forward depth. The Suns also gain valuable future draft picks, including an unprotected 2030 first-rounder, helping to replenish their draft capital.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Wolves acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham
Why it makes sense for both sides: Minnesota previously showed interest in acquiring Durant to enhance their offense. Their struggles in the Western Conference finals highlighted a need for more offensive firepower.
A combination of Anthony Edwards, Durant, and Julius Randle would create a potent scoring threat. Naz Reid has already often closed games over Gobert, making his departure more feasible.
Phoenix would gain a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Gobert, addressing their defensive weaknesses (ranked 27th last season). DiVincenzo and Dillingham are young guards on team-friendly contracts who can improve the Suns` offense around Devin Booker. This deal could be adjusted to include Mike Conley and draft assets, offering experience and culture setting for the Suns as they try to rebound from disappointing seasons.
New York Knicks
Knicks acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson
Why it makes sense for both sides: This deal allows the Knicks to acquire Durant, pairing him with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to form a highly efficient offensive core. Durant, one of the league`s greatest scorers, would complement Brunson`s playmaking, potentially elevating the Knicks into Eastern Conference contention. They would need to address depth and size elsewhere, but the offensive foundation would be formidable.
For the Suns, Anunoby is an impact forward on a similar career trajectory to Devin Booker (27 vs 28). As an elite wing defender, he and Booker would create a strong two-way wing duo. Mitchell Robinson would provide needed size and defensive presence in the middle. While Robinson has a history of injuries, he is a high-level defensive and rebounding center when healthy, entering his prime years and contributing to a winning rotation.
San Antonio Spurs
Spurs acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, 2025 first-round pick (via Atlanta)
Why it makes sense for both sides: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has expressed admiration for Durant, and playing together would be an ideal scenario. The Spurs have a historical interest in Durant and recent moves signal they are accelerating their rebuild. Adding Durant would immediately push San Antonio into playoff contention under coach Mitch Johnson.
San Antonio possesses ample draft capital to facilitate a trade. While they wouldn`t trade the No. 2 pick for a 36-year-old Durant, they could offer their No. 14 pick, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes. Vassell, 24, is a developing two-way player with a solid shooting percentage. Barnes provides veteran leadership and consistent production, coming off a strong shooting season.
Wild card! Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks acquire: Kevin Durant
Suns acquire: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, 2028 first-round pick (via Oklahoma City)
Why it makes sense for both sides: The Mavericks have signaled a win-now mentality. Acquiring Durant, a close friend of Kyrie Irving (despite Irving`s injury), would support this goal. Durant would help maintain scoring while Irving recovers and provide another future Hall of Famer alongside Anthony Davis (acquired in a hypothetical previous trade) to share the load. It could also offer Durant a chance to potentially end his career in Texas, playing alongside presumed No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
In return, the Suns would deepen their rotation significantly. Thompson is a historic shooter, while Marshall and Washington are key contributors. Lively, who had a fantastic rookie season, would be a major asset for Phoenix. This package, including the future first-round pick, aims to assure Devin Booker that the team can remain competitive.
The Verdict: Durant to the Wolves?
While Dallas, Miami, San Antonio, New York, and Houston presented interesting proposals, the trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves stands out. This package addresses several key objectives for Phoenix in a Durant trade: acquiring players with controllable contracts, players who can contribute immediately, and improving financial flexibility. Although Minnesota`s 17th pick in the upcoming draft was not included in the proposal, the core components are compelling.
The addition of Rob Dillingham injects youth and provides a controllable contract for the future, addressing the Suns` status as one of the older teams in the league. Rudy Gobert brings an All-Defensive anchor at center on a multi-year contract. Donte DiVincenzo strengthens the bench with needed shooting and is under contract for two seasons.
While OG Anunoby might be seen as the best “win-now” player offered by another team, his significant remaining contract ($176 million after this season) poses a considerable financial commitment that Phoenix might avoid, especially when a player like Dillon Brooks could offer similar production at a much lower cost. The Spurs and Rockets had strong draft pick assets but did not include enough in their proposed packages to be the most attractive offers.