The possibility of Kevin Durant joining the Minnesota Timberwolves is generating buzz, but 24-year-old Jaden McDaniels will not be involved in any trade deal. Matching Durant’s sizable salary poses difficulties for most teams, and according to NBA insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Timberwolves have no plans to package McDaniels’ contract as part of the negotiations.

Wolves Eye Established Players to Complete Trade Requirements

Instead of McDaniels, the Wolves could offer veterans like Julius Randle, who has a $31 million player option for the next season, or Rudy Gobert, whose salary is nearly $35 million. Both players bring experience and presence, and their contracts might make balancing the trade more feasible, especially for the Phoenix Suns, who aim to create a strong playoff contender around Devin Booker.

Trade Discussions Characterized by Strategic Caution from Suns

While talks continue, the Suns appear hesitant to overhaul their roster completely. Krawczynski noted,

“It does not appear that Phoenix wants to tear down and rebuild as part of this trade,”

emphasizing Phoenix’s intent to maintain competitiveness without drastic long-term rebuilding.

Adding Randle and Gobert would also align with Minnesota’s recent playoff success, as both players were key contributors to the Wolves’ 2023 run to the conference finals.

“Randle and Gobert both figured prominently in Minnesota’s run to the conference finals last season. Both are floor-raisers for the regular season at a minimum, and both had big moments in the playoffs before struggling in the conference finals against OKC,”

Krawczynski explained.

Mutual Needs Drive Trade Interest Between Timberwolves and Suns

The potential trade offers benefits for both teams: the Suns require a dependable big man, while the Timberwolves want another superstar to reduce the load on Anthony Edwards. The growing bond between Durant and Edwards, formed during the 2024 Olympics, has added excitement about their possible collaboration in Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant’s On-Court Chemistry Shapes Trade Outlook

Edwards, just 23, and Durant, at 36, quickly developed a close relationship resembling a big-brother, little-brother dynamic. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted this connection, saying,

“Guys, Ant Edwards is trailing Kevin Durant around like [Durant is his] big brother. Literally, Ant gets off the bus with Durant. When they warm up before practice, Ant is standing next to Durant. … Ant cannot get enough of him.”

Edwards described playing alongside Durant as a dream come true, adding enthusiasm about their on-court time together.

“I love that he’s (Durant’s) coming off the bench,”

Edwards stated following a Team U.S.A. game against South Sudan.

“I get to play with him, so I hope Coach keeps bringing him off the bench. I get to pass it to him. He gets to pass it back. That’s probably one of my biggest dreams ever, so that’s dope.”

Next Steps and Anticipated Developments in Durant Trade Talks

The NBA’s official trade window opens on July 6, and both teams, along with fans, are closely watching the situation unfold. The decision on whether Durant will join the Timberwolves hinges on finalizing a complex deal that satisfies salary requirements and strategic needs. If the trade moves forward, it could reshape the NBA playoff landscape by bringing together a dynamic new duo in Minnesota.