The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the most persistent team attempting to acquire Kevin Durant in the current trade discussions. Their renewed interest in Durant stems from the potential to form a formidable partnership alongside their young star, Anthony Edwards. Despite the anticipation surrounding this duo, Edwards is not actively involved in persuading Durant to join Minnesota.
While the Timberwolves’ front office is working directly on the trade efforts, Edwards, who is only 23, remains focused on his own development and current team commitments rather than recruitment. Fans and pundits alike have speculated about Edwards playing a role in recruiting Durant, but this speculation has been dismissed by insiders.
Kevin Durant’s Trade Preferences Narrow
Durant has clearly expressed his preferred destinations if traded. The Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs top his list of acceptable teams, with San Antonio standing out as his favored choice. However, the Spurs’ ability to make a competitive offer is complicated by Phoenix’s demanding trade conditions, which reportedly include the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Phoenix Suns remain the primary team seeking to facilitate a trade with the Timberwolves, believing Minnesota might present the best overall package to acquire Durant, but Durant’s preferences introduce uncertainty in the team’s pursuit.
Clarifying Anthony Edwards’ Role in the Timberwolves’ Durant Chase
Despite being the motivating factor for the Timberwolves’ trade interest, Anthony Edwards is not engaged in recruiting Kevin Durant. Edwards previously played alongside Durant as a member of Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics, strengthening their connection, but this relationship has not translated into recruitment efforts.
Journalist Marc Spears confirmed this, stating,
“Talked to some people close to Anthony Edwards. This is a non-story. He’s in Atlanta working out. He loves his former teammate. He loves his current teammates. Some people close to me said he’s focused on what’s next with this team. And he’s not flying to L.A. to try to convince K.D. anything different,”
—Marc Spears, NBA Today.
The Timberwolves’ management remains determined to complete a trade for Durant, but the veteran player has yet to indicate any willingness to move to Minnesota. Without a no-trade clause, Durant cannot block a trade if Phoenix finalizes a deal with Minnesota.
Potential Impact of a Durant-Edwards Partnership
The possibility of pairing Anthony Edwards with Kevin Durant has excited fans and analysts alike, as the duo could emerge as one of the NBA’s most dominant partnerships. Edwards is currently recognized as a top-10 player in the league, while Durant, despite being in his late 30s, continues to perform at an elite level.
Yet, Durant’s priorities extend beyond talent synergy. He is interested in securing a long-term contract extension, something that Minnesota is unlikely to offer. The Timberwolves would presumably present a shorter contract deal, which diminishes their chances of meeting Durant’s preferences for stability and financial security in the final stages of his career.
Durant’s Preferences and the Future of the Trade
Although Durant has not shown inclination toward joining Minnesota, the final decision on his trade destination rests with the teams involved. Durant lacks a no-trade clause, meaning he cannot formally block a move if Phoenix agrees to a trade package that satisfies their demands.
This situation reveals a tension between Durant’s personal wishes and the realities of NBA trade negotiations, leaving the Timberwolves in a complex position. The outcome will depend heavily on negotiations between the Suns and Timberwolves front offices, with Durant’s preferred teams—Houston, Miami, and San Antonio—also watching closely.