Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for four unprotected first-round draft picks, raising expectations for the kind of return that a Kevin Durant trade could bring. Before Bane’s deal was completed, Durant was widely viewed as the top star likely to be traded first this offseason. However, Bane’s trade moved ahead of Durant’s, representing a significant moment for team strategists and the wider NBA market.
Orlando’s aggressive move aimed at securing its first playoff series victory in 15 years redirected attention to what teams might offer for Durant, whose status as an All-Star places him among the league’s marquee players. Many analysts consider the volume of draft picks involved in the Bane trade a strong influence on how the market values players like Durant going forward.
Yet, according to ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps, league insiders do not anticipate Durant’s trade package will match or exceed the haul Memphis received for Bane, who has yet to earn an All-Star selection.
“In speaking with several sources Sunday in the wake of the Bane deal, the universal belief is that any draft packages going to Phoenix in a Durant deal likely won’t surpass the haul of draft picks coming to Memphis for Bane, who hasn’t yet made an All-Star team,” —Tim Bontemps, ESPN reporter
Limited Draft Assets Shape Potential Landing Spots for Durant
Durant’s preferred destination teams reportedly include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs. Among these, only Houston and San Antonio possess a significant collection of draft assets that could be used in a trade. Despite this, it appears unlikely that either would pursue Durant with the same level of intensity or draft capital that Orlando committed for Bane.
The Phoenix Suns, currently holding Durant’s contract, face a challenge as they seek to optimize returns on a possible trade with limited valuable picks or assets at their disposal. Any team acquiring Durant will likely be doing so for a short-term engagement, possibly only one year, increasing the complexity of his trade value negotiation.
Durant’s Extension Plans and Trade Market Dynamics
Reports indicate Durant is prepared to sign a contract extension only with Miami, Houston, or San Antonio. Meanwhile, Phoenix aims to conduct a trade that benefits their long-term strategy. This situation mirrors the 2018-19 season when Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors with just one year remaining on his contract, leading to a championship but a brief stay before Leonard departed as a free agent.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned several potential suitors for Durant, including the Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and Raptors. Durant might accept joining a team under conditions where he could leave via free agency after the season, suggesting teams may balance the immediate upside of having Durant with the risk of losing him soon.
“Windhorst threw in landing spots like Minnesota, the Clippers and Toronto as potential suitors lurking for Durant, who could be willing to accept a situation where he ends up leaving the team in free agency next year.” —Brian Windhorst, ESPN analyst
Impact and Future Implications for the NBA Trade Market
The contrast between Desmond Bane’s blockbuster four-first-round-pick trade and Kevin Durant’s potentially more modest return underscores shifting valuations in the NBA. Durant’s high-profile status does not guarantee a better package due to contract length, age, and team asset availability. This dynamic may influence how veteran star trades are negotiated going forward, particularly when teams weigh short-term competitiveness against long-term rebuilding.
With the NBA Draft and trade deadline approaching, how Durant’s situation resolves could affect multiple franchises’ strategies. Teams with valuable draft capital hold significant leverage, highlighting the growing importance of draft assets in shaping the league’s competitive balance.