The Phoenix Suns are expected to trade Kevin Durant sooner rather than later and as of right now, there is a reported favorite for where he may go.
There were five NBA teams potentially in the running for Durant, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. It was the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks.
But among that list, Durant had just three preferred destinations: The Heat, Rockets, and Spurs.
While the Suns have no obligation to trade him to one of those three teams, Durant is about to enter the final year of his contract. That means any team that trades for Durant would likely want to re-sign him, and if they do not feel it is possible, they may offer a less enticing return package.
While ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported nearly six weeks ago that the Rockets and Spurs were specifically two teams worth watching for Durant, the market is becoming increasingly narrow.
The Rockets have reportedly made a “firm offer” for Durant, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, but the Suns are “seriously underwhelmed” about it.
That is advantageous for the Spurs, which is conveniently the exact team where Durant wants to play next season. Here is more surrounding hiccups following recent negotiations with Minnesota (via The Athletic):
“But amid their most recent round of talks with Phoenix, the Timberwolves were made aware that he prefers to play elsewhere — specifically, league sources say, the Spurs.”
In fairness to Durant, who would not want to play with Victor Wembanyama?
The Spurs have a fantastic young core surrounding Wembanyama, including 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year winner Stephon Castle.
They also have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and they are expected to take Dylan Harper.
San Antonio also has a fun guard after acquiring De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline and an exciting new coach with Mitch Johnson.
It’s unclear what they would have to offer the Suns to get Durant but it would likely involve Harrison Barnes and the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Other assets, like Devin Vassell, are still undetermined.
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