As Kevin Durant approaches his 37th birthday, he remains one of the NBA’s elite players, drawing interest from several teams. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves are hesitant to actively pursue Durant without a clear signal that he is interested in signing a longer-term contract with their organization. The team, led in part by rising star Anthony Edwards—who idolizes Durant—prefers commitment over a short-term arrangement.
Sports journalist Sam Amick reported that the Timberwolves will hold off on serious talks unless Durant signals his willingness to join the team on more than a temporary basis.
“Minnesota is not gonna play ball until they get signal Kevin wants to play there,” Amick said.
The Timberwolves see Durant as a crucial piece to elevate their chances beyond the Western Conference Finals and into the NBA Finals. While Edwards could benefit from Durant’s presence, the team is focused on securing a longer-term deal with the veteran forward rather than settling for a short one-year rental.
Challenges Faced by the Phoenix Suns in Trading Durant
The Phoenix Suns currently face a complex situation with Durant. According to Suns reporter Duane Rankin, the team holds little leverage in trade discussions, partly due to Durant’s age and his desire to start fresh somewhere else. These factors limit the Suns’ negotiating power and force them to consider lowering their asking price in trade talks.
“The Suns have ‘no leverage’ in part because of Durant’s age and because he wants to start fresh elsewhere, league sources say,” Rankin wrote. “The idea of Durant returning to a team that entertained deals for him before the 2025 trade deadline isn’t a pleasant one.”
Durant’s future with the Suns remains uncertain as the organization attempts to find a suitable partner willing to offer valuable assets in exchange, even as Durant’s contract and intentions influence the trade dynamic.
Reggie Miller Highlights Suns’ Urgency and Market Disadvantage in Trading Durant
NBA legend Reggie Miller recently commented on the Suns’ position in trade talks involving Durant, emphasizing that all teams are aware of Phoenix’s desperation to move the star forward. This knowledge dampens the offers the Suns receive, as potential suitors exploit the team’s pressing need to trade Durant.
Miller noted that Durant’s willingness to leave affects his trade value significantly, as he remains a highly skilled three-level scorer despite not having returned to the NBA Finals since leaving the Warriors.
“I think everyone is going to be stingy that way because they know they’re desperate,” Miller said during a TNT Zoom media session. “If Kevin Durant doesn’t want to be anywhere, Kevin Durant is going to change area codes and zip codes.”
With the Suns almost trading Durant to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline and the presence of Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause complicating matters, the situation adds pressure on Phoenix to accept less favorable terms.
Implications for Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves’ Future
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, acquiring Durant could transform their championship aspirations, given Edwards’ admiration for the veteran and the potential for Durant to complement their core lineup. Still, the franchise remains cautious, preferring a strong indication that Durant desires to commit long term before engaging in serious negotiations.
This strategy underscores Minnesota’s effort to build a sustainable contender rather than pursuing a temporary fix, an approach that reflects the franchise’s ambitions to progress beyond near-misses in the Western Conference and reach the NBA Finals in the near future.