Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns appears uncertain as trade talks gain traction ahead of the NBA draft scheduled for June 25. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is a growing belief in the league that Durant could be moved before the draft begins.
Durant has been linked to trade rumors since the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline in February. ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that the Suns engaged in trade discussions involving Durant at the deadline, and multiple NBA teams continue to express interest in acquiring the star in the offseason.
Teams and Negotiations Surrounding Durant’s Potential Move
Several franchises, including the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves, have reportedly shown interest in adding Durant to their rosters. Charania also noted that there are several other unexpected suitors considering trade possibilities.
Rich Kleiman, Durant’s business partner, has maintained active communication with the Suns and has participated in multiple talks, indicating that Durant may have some influence over his destination. These ongoing evaluations suggest a collaborative approach to trade scenarios that could unfold before the draft.
Durant’s Career Achievements and Current Performance
At 36 years old, Kevin Durant ranks eighth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 30,571 points, showcasing a prolific career highlighted by 15 All-Star selections, four scoring titles, two NBA championships, and multiple MVP honors including two NBA Finals MVP awards. Despite a lack of recent championship success since his time with the Golden State Warriors, Durant remains among the league’s top offensive players.
This season, Durant played 62 games, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 52.7 percent from the field and 43.0 percent from three-point range. His productivity has continued to demonstrate his value, even as the Suns struggled throughout the year.
Team Performance and the Context of Durant’s Tenure with the Suns
The Suns finished the season at 36-46 and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season, which underscored a disappointing year despite Durant’s individual contributions. Phoenix initially acquired Durant from the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 season, aiming to strengthen their roster after falling short in the 2021 NBA Finals.
However, Durant’s time with the Suns has not produced the desired postseason results, as the team was eliminated in the second round in 2023 and then lost in the first round in 2024. This lack of playoff success has contributed to the growing speculation about Durant’s potential trade.
What’s Next for Durant and the Suns?
Kevin Durant remains a high-value player who will undoubtedly attract significant interest in the weeks leading up to the NBA draft. One critical factor in potential trade negotiations is Durant’s contract status, as his current deal expires at the end of next season. Any team that manages to secure an extension with Durant as part of a trade package could likely enhance the value received by the Suns.
As discussions advance, the outcome of these trade possibilities will have major implications for both Durant’s career and the Suns’ rebuilding strategy, setting the stage for a potentially transformative offseason in the NBA.