Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns superstar, is expected to be traded in the 2025 offseason, according to multiple insiders. A proposed three-team trade involving the Lakers, Suns, and Hawks could send Durant to Los Angeles, drastically altering the NBA’s competitive landscape.
Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell outlined a complex trade that sees the Lakers acquiring Durant, alongside two complementary players, in exchange for a sizeable package of talent and draft picks going to the Suns and Hawks. This trade proposal highlights the Lakers’ ambition to strengthen their roster around stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic while addressing critical defensive needs.
Details of the Proposed Three-Team Deal
Under the suggested trade terms, the Lakers would receive Kevin Durant, Terance Mann, and Nick Richards, bolstering both their scoring and defensive capabilities. The Hawks would gain Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, and Jarred Vanderbilt, while the Suns would receive multiple players including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Kobe Bufkin, plus several valuable draft picks. These picks include an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 acquired from the Lakers and several second-round picks spanning from 2027 to 2031, routed via the Hawks and Cleveland.
Caudell emphasized the fit of Mann as a versatile wing and Richards as an energetic rim protector, complementing the skill sets of LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
While the Lakers have other needs, Durant would fill in seamlessly and would have plenty of scoring opportunities on the floor with Doncic and James, while also helping their defense. In a very tough Western Confernece, the Lakers can’t really afford to stay pat,
—Jackson Caudell, Sports Illustrated writer
Lakers Focus on Adding Defensive Versatility
The acquisition of Richards and Mann aligns with the Lakers’ quest to reinforce their defense after a disappointing first-round exit in the 2025 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both players are expected to fill key roles, with Richards providing a strong presence at center and Mann adding depth on the wing.
Richards gives them another body at center and Mann is a wing player that can fill the voids on the bench,
—Jackson Caudell, Sports Illustrated writer
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has openly communicated the team’s priority in building around Luka Doncic, who thrives alongside athletic players capable of finishing around the rim and defending effectively. Pelinka stressed that acquiring a center who can protect the paint and act as a vertical threat would be crucial for the Lakers’ future success.
It would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, lob threat, and someone that could protect the interior defensively,
—Rob Pelinka, Lakers General Manager
I think those would be key. But there’s multiple different types of centers that can be very effective in the league. There’s also spread centers that can protect the rim. We’ll look at those as well. So I wouldn’t want to limit the archetype, but we know we need a big man.
—Rob Pelinka, Lakers General Manager
Durant’s Future with the Suns Appears Uncertain
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst has added fuel to speculation around Durant’s departure from Phoenix, indicating that the superstar is unlikely to remain with the Suns for the 2025-26 season. The reasons behind Durant’s potential exit involve contract considerations and the willingness of teams to commit to him long term.
Kevin Durant, I’m like 98% sure he’s not going to be a Sun next year,
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN
How it works out? I’m about 1% sure [that it will]. There’s going to be a number of teams interested, but some of it is going to depend on whether Durant is a player they keep on a one-year contract or they want to give him a contract extension, which I suspect he’s going to want.
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Windhorst also mentioned the Minnesota Timberwolves as serious contenders for Durant, noting their prior aggressive pursuit of the player during the previous season. Although the Wolves’ form has improved significantly since the trade deadline, their interest in Durant remains a notable factor in exploring the market.
It became clear to me in talking to the parties involved just how serious the Wolves were about trying to trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline,
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN
At the time, the Wolves were not playing their best basketball. They subsequently finished the season, I think, 18-5 and got to the Western Conference Finals. So I don’t want to make it implied that their mindset is still where it was in February.
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Major NBA Shifts on the Horizon
Kevin Durant’s anticipated move is part of a broader trend of marquee players changing teams ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, with Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo also expected to switch franchises. This wave of high-profile trades signals a potentially significant realignment of NBA power dynamics, with the Lakers looking to enhance their championship contention prospects by adding Durant and complementary players.
The proposed three-team trade could reshape the Western Conference balance, providing the Lakers with a formidable lineup that marries veteran scoring, athleticism, and defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, the Suns position themselves for a rebuild or retool with a strong haul of young talent and draft capital, and the Hawks add depth and flexibility for their roster.
As the 2025 offseason approaches, the league and fans alike will closely watch how negotiations unfold, with the Kevin Durant Lakers three-team trade proposal marking a pivotal possibility in the NBA’s evolving landscape.