Once Again, Offseason To Center On Kevin Durant Trade Chatter

Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns remains uncertain, though his value around the NBA is anything but, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

The Suns played significantly better with Durant in the lineup this season, going 33-29 in his 62 appearances. The 14-time All-Star averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Without him, Phoenix struggled to a 3-17 record. Even with Durant healthy for most of the year, the Suns finished 11th in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs.

Durant, who has one year and $55 million remaining on his contract, reportedly expressed a desire to remain with the Suns when he learned of the team’s midseason trade discussions, including talks with his former team, the Golden State Warriors. According to multiple reports, Durant told team officials he wanted to help Phoenix turn its season around.

“I want my career to end on my terms,” Durant told former teammate Draymond Green during an appearance on Green’s podcast. “That’s the only thing I’m worried about.”

The trade deadline passed without a deal. Any hopes of a late-season turnaround were dashed on March 30 when Durant suffered a sprained left ankle, effectively ending his season.

Still, the Suns discovered something valuable: strong leaguewide interest in Durant. According to ESPN, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs were among the teams that pursued him.

The Timberwolves, who resolved their ownership situation with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez expected to take over as team owners this summer, were the most aggressive suitor, sources said. Durant has a strong relationship with Minnesota star Anthony Edwards.

The Rockets, holding the Suns’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks and a swap option in this year’s lottery, are seen as a long-term player in any Suns negotiations. The Knicks, who pursued Durant in 2019 free agency, could revisit that interest depending on how their postseason unfolds.

Privately, Phoenix officials acknowledged missteps in their handling of the midseason trade talks, particularly not involving Durant earlier. The Suns hoped to keep discussions in-house, similar to how Dallas managed its relationship with Luka Doncic. But once third teams were contacted to facilitate potential deals, word leaked.

The Suns now appear to be taking a different approach. Durant’s longtime agent and business partner, Rich Kleiman, is expected to meet with team officials in Phoenix this week, according to sources.

Any future trade involving Durant will be shaped by several key factors. The Suns are limited by the NBA’s second apron, which restricts their roster flexibility. They cannot combine player salaries in trades or take back more salary than they send out, making a major roster shake-up difficult.

Devin Booker remains untouchable, the Suns have said. That leaves Durant as the most logical option if Phoenix seeks significant change. The Suns reached that conclusion during the season when they quietly explored trade possibilities.

At that time, Phoenix was seeking a high-end return — packages including current or former All-Stars, young players and/or future draft picks, according to sources.

Durant is eligible for a two-year, $124 million contract extension this summer. He will turn 37 before the 2025-26 season, and any acquiring team would need to weigh whether to commit long-term or risk having him for only one season. Teams would have until June 30, 2026, to offer him that extension.

“The ideal scenario is finding a contender with cap flexibility, the assets to make a deal, and the willingness to invest in Durant long term,” one NBA source told Windhorst. “That’s easier said than done.”

There’s also the possibility a team might trade for Durant as a one-year rental — either in pursuit of a championship or to sell tickets.

“Durant is a top-three name in this league,” said one high-ranking NBA official. “I can see a team who’d love to have him for a season just to sell tickets.”

With the playoffs, draft lottery, draft and free agency still ahead, the situation remains fluid. But one thing is clear: whether in Phoenix or elsewhere, Kevin Durant will once again be at the center of the NBA offseason.