With the start of the 2025 NBA offseason, the name of Kevin Durant is back in the trade conversation. The 15 time All-Star is still one of the most talented and coveted players in the league and now there is talk that his tenure with the Phoenix Suns could be nearing its end. Durant camp and the Suns are said to be discussing potential trade scenarios with teams around the league following the developments.
Durant’s Current Situation with the Suns
Durant, 36, came to the Suns in 2023 via a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. He has not slowed down since then and is still playing at an elite level, averaging 26.6 points per game, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season. Although his statistics are phenomenal, Phoenix has never achieved its desired championship aspirations, and this has created some doubts regarding the future of Durant and the team.
On the financial side, Durant is still among the highest-paid players in the NBA. In the 2025-26 season, he will receive $54.7 million. On top of his current salary this season, Durant has also two extension options this summer of $112 million or $124 million, should he wait until January. Such large salary numbers complicate any possible trade, since the list of teams that could take on such a contract and also have assets that would be of interest to Phoenix is limited.
The Suns Begin Exploring Trade Scenarios
Per several reports, including NBA insider Shams Charania, Phoenix and Durant’s business manager, Rich Kleiman have started actively discussing potential trade destinations. Durant has not made a trade demand publicly, though the discussions indicate that both parties are willing to entertain possibilities of making deals that would be mutually beneficial.
Charania added that the most important element to the next step taken by Durant could be which team senses that they are “a Kevin Durant away” from winning an NBA championship. The Knicks, Nets, Clippers, and Lakers are among the teams that are at the forefront of the pursuit of Durant because they are teams that are in need of a proven superstar who can instantly make them championship contenders.
The Leading Trade Contenders
A number of teams have come up as favorites in the Durant sweepstakes. CBS Sports and DraftKings ranked five franchises as serious contenders, including the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.
First on the list are the San Antonio Spurs. According to DraftKings, San Antonio is the favorite to acquire Durant, and they have -160 odds to do so. The Spurs present a fascinating option of combining Durant with 2023-24 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. San Antonio also owns the No. 2 overall selection in the forthcoming NBA Draft that can either be utilized as a trade asset or help construct a formidable young nucleus around Durant.
Another team that is a serious contender is the Houston Rockets, which have a bright young core of players and a lot of future draft picks. By acquiring Durant, the Rockets would become an immediate threat in the West.
The Miami Heat, with a competitive culture and fresh off Finals appearances, presents an attractive destination as well. Already having proven stars in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Durant can be the missing ingredient that will make Miami a contender again in the championship.
Conflicting Reports on Trade Progress
There has been an increasing buzz, but not everyone can agree on the extent of progress made on trade talks. Some of the speculation has been shot down by Phoenix Suns insider John Gambadoro, who has indicated that much of the trade rumor speculation floating around might be premature. He added that though discussions have taken place, most of the reports are nowhere near the signing of a true deal.
This reporting discrepancy is indicative of just how complex a Durant trade actually is. Striking a balance between huge salary figures, draft choices, youth and the future of the franchise is a welcomed negotiation that might just stretch well into the offseason.
Durant’s Legacy and Personal Priorities
While Durant has not made any public statements demanding a move, reports suggest he remains open to joining a situation where he can pursue another championship. At 36, he is fully aware that his window to add another title may be closing. A move to a team with young talent, solid coaching, and the ability to compete immediately could be especially appealing.
