Kevin Durant is predicted to be pursued by the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Miami Warmth, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report.
The Phoenix Suns are broadly anticipated to maneuver on from Durant in the summertime attributable to vital tax implications. Being a second apron crew whereas being out of the playoff image isn’t going to chop it.
There’s a perception that anybody not named Devin Booker is a commerce candidate in Phoenix. Within the case of Bradley Beal, that comes with an asterisk as he has a no-trade clause.
That commerce clause already had a major bearing on the Suns’ means to make strikes in the summertime. Most notably, regardless of being the crew most strongly linked to Jimmy Butler, they have been unable to amass him.
Durant is at present out with an ankle sprain and will miss the rest of the common season. He has averaged 26.6 factors, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 62 video games. He’s shot 52.7 p.c from the sphere together with 43 p.c from three-point vary.
It’s anticipated that the Suns will work along with Durant find a commerce that fits each events. On that be aware, let’s have a look at the groups on the prime of the record and decide the very best match.
Reporting for NBA In the present day with @malika_andrews on the potential summer season of change coming to the Phoenix Suns: pic.twitter.com/73BB8aQdYP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2025
Spurs Provide Durant Alien-Like Pairing With Wemby
In San Antonio, the Spurs would seemingly be seeking to slot Durant alongside Victor Wembanyama and the lately acquired De’Aaron Fox.
The Spurs have a number of younger items to supply but it surely stays to be seen if they’d be keen to concede rookie standout Stephon Fortress in a deal.
One would think about Devin Vassell would certainly be a part of the deal together with this season’s first-round choose that tasks to be within the prime 10. Together with Fortress would definitely current a really tempting supply to Phoenix. If not, one would think about a plethora of different younger gamers must be included.
Durant and Wembanyama would characterize a futuristic basketball nirvana. Two seven-footers (no matter what Durant needs us to suppose) who supply loads of size and mobility on the skin whereas being absolute nightmares on the offensive finish. Fox’s velocity and total dynamism could be a significant tertiary downside round these two superstars.
The Spurs have been in competition for the Play-In Event whereas Wembanyama was wholesome however would certainly search for a spot within the prime six if Durant will be acquired. Is that ok for Durant when he’ll be 37-years-old? We all know he likes his surefire contender standing.
Rockets Would Provide Instantaneous Rivalry
The largest factor the Rockets lack proper now could be a more in-depth. Their clutch offense has been a significant problem all season, usually coming to a whole halt. Whereas posting a stable offensive score, that more and more seems to be like a home of playing cards due to how a lot the crew depends on offensive rebounding.
Durant would offer an enormous answer to their offensive woes. Nonetheless a succesful defender, Houston’s protection would permit him to age extra gracefully on that finish of the ground and be the unstoppable drive he continues to be on the opposite finish.
What might be key for Houston is discovering a technique to do the deal whereas maintaining Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Jalen Inexperienced would definitely be made accessible in a possible Durant commerce however Phoenix could not see Inexperienced as an acceptable long-term match subsequent to Booker.
Does one thing with Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith, and Dillon Brooks function a place to begin for the Suns?
What Would Knicks Realistically Provide?
New York has already surrendered vital draft capital in buying Mikal Bridges. Karl-Anthony Cities has been super since becoming a member of the Knicks and he together with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby appear to be probably the most logical long-term suits.
Does this implies Bridges finally ends up going again to the Suns? Wouldn’t that be hilarious. Josh Hart would additionally need to be included to construct as much as making the salaries workable. It feels as if that is one thing that may take a number of work to make sense.
There’s most likely a 3rd crew that must be concerned as properly.
From a basketball standpoint, slotting Durant subsequent to Brunson, Cities, and Anunoby could be implausible to observe. You will have the bruising method of Brunson, the hyper effectivity of Anunoby, after which the silky, easy abilities of Cities and Durant.
Is Durant Open To Residing In Minnesota?
From a basketball standpoint, Durant subsequent to Anthony Edwards at this stage of their respective careers makes a number of sense on each side. Rudy Gobert on the again finish, however who stays in Minnesota?
The Suns must be amenable to taking up Julius Randle. Past that, they’d seemingly need Jaden McDaniels and future property.
When contemplating exterior components, one has to judge whether or not Durant would truly be open to becoming a member of the Wolves. Since leaving Oklahoma Metropolis, Durant’s markets have been Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.
The salary-matching might get very difficult right here as properly.
Can Warmth Rebound with Durant After Butler?
Now, pivoting from Jimmy Butler to Durant in such a brief span of time would definitely be a heck of a technique to bounce again.
The brand new core seems to be in place between Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware for the Warmth. Miami has received six video games in a row however are a good distance from title competition.
Does Andrew Wiggins get moved as soon as once more? Being the centerpiece of offers for each Butler and Durant inside a yr would definitely be one thing.
