The NBA offseason is ramping up! With less than three weeks until the start of free agency and the 2025 NBA draft rapidly approaching, reports emerged indicating that Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns have held multiple meetings to explore potential trade scenarios. According to sources, the primary teams discussed include the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sources also mentioned that several other teams could still be in the mix.
In light of this news, we consulted five NBA insiders (Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Dave McMenamin, Kevin Pelton, and André Snellings) to propose realistic trade packages for the two-time Finals MVP. Following their proposals, front office insider Bobby Marks evaluated the suggested deals to determine the most favorable offer, considering the potential directions Phoenix might take to restructure its costly, underperforming, and top-heavy roster.
Latest on Durant`s Future
Durant is entering the final year of the four-year, $198 million extension he signed while with Brooklyn. Although he doesn`t possess a no-trade clause like his Suns teammate Bradley Beal, Durant still holds considerable influence over his potential next destination.
“I want my career to end on my terms, that’s the only thing,” Durant stated last month on `The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis`. “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 key factors will be critical if a trade materializes. First, is Durant willing to sign a two-year, $112 million extension with the acquiring team? Given that Durant could become a free agent in 2026, teams are unlikely to sacrifice draft capital and players for a one-year rental. The landscape of teams with significant projected cap space is expected to expand dramatically in 2026, potentially including nearly half the league, compared to just one team this summer.
Second, and most importantly: Will the team trading for Durant remain positioned to compete for a championship? At 36 years old, his next team will likely represent his final opportunity to pursue a third championship ring. — Marks
Jump to a trade:
HOU | MIA | MIN | NYK | SAS
Wild-card team
Five Hypothetical Trade Offers for KD
Houston Rockets
Kram`s trade offer:
Rockets get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: 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 present a natural trade partner for the Suns for two main reasons. First, Durant fits perfectly into Houston`s biggest roster gap. With a promising young core and tenacious defense, the Rockets are improving in the Western Conference. However, they lack a primary scorer capable of leading a contender and ranked just 22nd in half-court offense this past season, according to Cleaning the Glass. This offensive deficiency likely hindered a deeper playoff run, as Houston scored 93 points or less in three of their four playoff losses against Golden State.
Even at 36, Durant would significantly enhance this area. He had a higher usage rate and a considerably better true shooting percentage than any player in Houston`s current rotation. Unless Giannis Antetokounmpo specifically requests a trade to Houston, Durant represents their best chance for a significant upgrade this summer.
Second, the Rockets control Phoenix`s draft picks in 2025 (which is the 10th overall pick), 2027, and 2029. The Suns initially sent these picks to Brooklyn in the trade for Durant. Reacquiring some or all of these picks would bring Phoenix`s Durant era full circle and grant the team flexibility for future roster moves without concerns about potentially losing lottery picks.
Additionally, this return package could help Phoenix build a competitive roster around Devin Booker and avoid a complete rebuild. Brooks is a valuable 3-and-D wing on a contract that declines over time, potentially filling a gap in the Suns` weak perimeter defense. Sheppard struggled to find his rhythm in his rookie season in Houston, but as the former No. 3 pick, he offers more upside than any player currently on Phoenix`s roster. The same applies to Whitmore, an occasionally explosive scorer (averaging 22 points per 36 minutes career-wise) who hasn`t consistently demonstrated other necessary skills to earn more playing time under coach Ime Udoka.
Phoenix would acquire the young talent and draft picks they are missing, while Houston would upgrade from Brooks to Durant without sacrificing any key members of their current core. (Sheppard, Whitmore, and Landale combined for only 20 minutes of playing time in the playoffs.) This appears to be a mutually beneficial agreement.
Because Houston would take on more salary in this trade, placing them above the first salary apron, Fred VanVleet`s $44.9 million team option would be declined. The Rockets would then re-sign him at a lower starting salary of $25 million. This reduction in VanVleet`s contract would also allow Houston to re-sign Steven Adams and remain below the first salary apron.
Miami Heat
Pelton`s trade offer:
Heat get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: 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 get: 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
If the other trade offers presented here are genuinely on the table for Durant, the Heat realistically have a slim chance. Miami lacks premium draft picks or promising young prospects to offer and must include more salary than Durant`s $53.3 million for 2025-26 to avoid exceeding the lower luxury tax apron. This necessitates sending some of the incoming pick value to the Nets to absorb Duncan Robinson`s $19.9 million salary into their cap space. (Approximately $10 million of Robinson`s 2025-26 contract is non-guaranteed, but the Heat would need to guarantee it to count fully as outgoing salary in a trade.)
Instead, Miami must hope that Dallas opts against sacrificing significant depth for a Durant pursuit and that Houston prefers to wait for a younger star player (perhaps Giannis Antetokounmpo or Booker) who aligns better with their team`s timeline.
In such a scenario, the Heat can address multiple needs for the Suns. This trade reduces Phoenix`s 2025-26 payroll by about $20 million, savings that the Suns could either use to acquire a center or simply take as substantial luxury tax relief. Adding Wiggins, who has rebounded this season as an above-average starter, and Jovic improves Phoenix`s forward depth. Furthermore, the Suns would acquire both the first-round pick the Warriors sent Miami in the Jimmy Butler trade and a valuable unprotected 2030 draft pick to replenish their asset pool.
Minnesota Timberwolves
McMenamin`s trade offer:
Wolves get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham
Why it makes sense for both sides
The Timberwolves previously attempted to acquire Durant leading up to the trade deadline, sources indicated. Minnesota`s president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, sought to bring Anthony Edwards` idol to the team to diversify their offensive attack.
Months later, without Durant, the Wolves were eliminated from the Western Conference finals after being stifled by the Oklahoma City Thunder`s formidable defense. They scored 103 points or fewer in three of their four losses in the series.
An offensive trio featuring Edwards, Durant, and Julius Randle would pose significant challenges, even for a defense as disciplined as Oklahoma City`s, and Naz Reid has already frequently finished games at center over Gobert.
The Suns would acquire Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, for new coach Jordan Ott to build his defense around. Phoenix finished 27th in team defensive rating last season under Mike Budenholzer. Additionally, they would receive two young guards on team-friendly contracts (DiVincenzo is owed $12 million next season; Dillingham is owed $6.6 million) who could elevate the Suns` offense alongside Devin Booker.
The deal could potentially be adjusted to include Mike Conley (on a $10.8 million expiring contract) instead of DiVincenzo, along with draft assets, if the Wolves prioritized current production over locker room presence, assuming Conley`s best days are behind him. Conley would also serve as an immediate ally for Ott, helping to establish a team culture as the Suns aim to regain respectability after two consecutive disappointing seasons that have made their 2021 Finals appearance seem like a distant memory.
New York Knicks
Snellings` trade offer:
Knicks get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson
Why it makes sense for both sides
In this proposed trade, the Knicks acquire Kevin Durant, years after missing out on him to their cross-town rival. While the Knicks` offense is potent, it heavily relies on consistent creation from Jalen Brunson for his teammates.
Durant, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, would pair with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to give the Knicks one of the league`s most efficient and productive offensive cores. Their skill sets complement each other well and could be sufficient to elevate the Knicks into true contention for the Eastern Conference title alongside teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers. They would need to improve their depth and size during the offseason, but their offensive foundation and potential would be immense.
For the Suns, acquiring Anunoby would provide a 27-year-old impact forward who is on a similar career timeline as their 28-year-old franchise player, Booker. Anunoby is an elite wing defender, recognized with a second-team All-Defense selection in 2023. Paired with Booker, they would form a wing duo excelling on both ends of the court. The Suns also require more size and physical presence in the paint, and 26-year-old Mitchell Robinson would offer another young veteran, entering his prime seasons, capable of contributing to a winning team`s main rotation. While Robinson has dealt with health issues, when available, he is one of the league`s premier defensive and rebounding big men.
San Antonio Spurs
Wright`s trade offer:
Spurs get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, 2025 first-round pick (via Atlanta)
Why it makes sense for both sides
Growing up in France, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama admired Kevin Durant, even incorporating elements of the 36-year-old`s game into his own. In Paris during the 2024 Olympics, the two shared a moment after the gold medal game, with Wembanyama expressing admiration for Durant and revealing his desire to “steal” a trick or two from the future Hall of Famer`s moves.
What better way to learn than by playing alongside him in San Antonio? The Spurs` interest in Durant dates back to 2016, when he took a free-agent meeting out of respect for long-time coach Gregg Popovich before ultimately signing with Golden State.
Reports suggest the two sides expressed mutual interest again before the February trade deadline, prior to San Antonio`s acquisition of point guard De`Aaron Fox. That move signaled the Spurs` intention to accelerate their rebuilding process, which has been ongoing for several years.
Bringing Durant aboard would instantly catapult San Antonio and new coach Mitch Johnson into postseason contention. The Spurs possess ample draft picks (including two first-rounders in June) and the necessary salaries to execute a trade. While San Antonio wouldn`t trade the No. 2 overall pick for a 36-year-old Durant, the team would gladly part with the No. 14 pick, along with veterans Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes, in a package to acquire the former MVP.
The 24-year-old Vassell is coming off a slightly down season by his standards but has established himself as a developing two-way player who shoots a career 37% from three-point range and has four years remaining on his contract.
Trading Vassell would create room in San Antonio`s starting lineup for Dylan Harper, should the Spurs select him with the No. 2 pick. Meanwhile, Barnes had a career-best 43.3% shooting season from three-point range last year while playing all 82 games for the third consecutive season. Barnes also provides the veteran leadership that rebuilding teams desperately need and is still capable of providing contributions at a starter level.
Wild card!
Dallas Mavericks
Herring`s trade offer:
Mavericks get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, 2028 first-round pick (via Oklahoma City)
Why it makes sense for both sides
By trading then-25-year-old Luka Doncic for 31-year-old Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have clearly signaled their intention to contend for a title within the next few years – even after their fortunate win in the 2025 draft lottery (presumably leading to drafting Cooper Flagg). With this win-now mindset established, they would likely continue to push their chips forward, despite Kyrie Irving`s torn ACL impacting their chances next season.
Acquiring Durant, one of Irving`s closest friends and former Brooklyn teammate, would be a definitive way to do this. He would ensure the team`s perimeter scoring and ball-handling remain strong while Irving recovers. It would also provide Davis with another future Hall of Famer to alleviate pressure on him nightly. The move would also offer Durant the chance to potentially conclude his career in the state where he rose to prominence as a one-and-done superstar for the Texas Longhorns, all while playing alongside Flagg, the likely No. 1 pick who is expected to become a cornerstone as the Mavs rebuild following the Doncic trade.
In this proposed deal, the Suns would immediately deepen their rotation. They would acquire not only a historic sharpshooter in Thompson but also key win-now players in Marshall and Washington, who is less essential to Dallas`s future following Flagg`s arrival. Phoenix would likely be most excited about obtaining Lively, who had a fantastic rookie season on both ends for Dallas en route to the 2024 NBA Finals. This package, along with Dallas`s 2028 first-round pick, should be enough to reassure franchise player Devin Booker that Phoenix will have sufficient talent to be competitive in the coming years.
Similar to the current Suns roster, Dallas would remain a top-heavy team as a result of this transaction, requiring a period of good health to truly contend for glory. While it may appear to be a significant investment and risk for the Mavericks, the stakes are arguably lower now that they know they will have Flagg, a player who allows Dallas and its fans to envision a bright future, even with a core trio of stars in their 30s.
The Verdict: Durant to the Wolves?
Dallas, Miami, San Antonio, New York, and Houston each present compelling trade proposals. However, the offer put forth by Minnesota is difficult to overlook. The Timberwolves` package addresses three of the four key objectives Phoenix aimed to achieve in trading Durant: acquiring controllable contracts, players who can contribute immediately, and financial flexibility. While the Timberwolves could potentially include the 17th pick in this year`s draft, it is not part of this specific proposal.
The addition of Dillingham provides Phoenix with a controllable contract for the future and injects youth into an aging roster. The Suns finished the 2024-25 regular season as the second-oldest team in the NBA, trailing only the Clippers. Before this hypothetical trade, last year`s draft picks Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro were the only players on the roster aged 23 or younger. Gobert is under contract for the next three seasons and gives Phoenix an All-Defensive anchor at the center position. Meanwhile, adding DiVincenzo (under contract for the next two seasons) strengthens a bench unit in need of shooting.
While OG Anunoby is arguably the best `win-now` player included in any offer, the $176 million remaining on his contract after this season makes that deal less appealing financially. Dillon Brooks could offer Phoenix comparable production at a fraction of Anunoby`s salary cost.
The Spurs and Rockets possessed the necessary draft assets and players to potentially make a more compelling offer to Phoenix but reportedly fell short by only including a single first-round pick. — Marks
