Trade negotiations involving Kevin Durant and the San Antonio Spurs have recently hit a major impasse as the Phoenix Suns resist offers lacking the young talent they desire. Conversations, ongoing in early 2025, show the Suns intent on securing a blockbuster deal that includes top prospects, while the Spurs remain reluctant to part with their core young players, causing stalled progress.
Durant, currently on an expiring $54.7 million contract for the 2025-26 season, has been reportedly open to trading destinations like Miami, San Antonio, and Houston, yet Phoenix is demanding a return that stretches beyond veteran players to include emerging stars. This deadlock underscores the difficulty of balancing veteran acquisition with the protection of a promising roster.
San Antonio Spurs Emerge as Leading Suitors But Deal Talks Have Stumbled
The Spurs stand out as the most prominent team pursuing Kevin Durant, motivated not only by his talent but also by his potential role with their young superstar Victor Wembanyama. ESPN2 commentator Skip Bayless recently remarked that Durant might prefer joining San Antonio to avoid the burden of being an immediate savior while mentoring Wemby and playing alongside De’Aaron Fox and rookie Stephon Castle, whose recent Rookie of the Year award adds to the team’s appeal.
Bayless stated,
“there wouldn’t be instant savior expectation and pressure on him. But he could, you know, mentor Wemby a little bit, and they’d be very good. The West is just so stacked and loaded, I don’t know that they’d immediately be a contender…. but if you put him and De’Aaron and Wemby on the floor together, and Stephon Castle just won rookie of the year….”
—Skip Bayless, ESPN2 commentator
Despite this, two rounds of trade negotiations in recent days have stalled, mainly because the Suns have rejected the Spurs’ initial player packages. Journalists covering the talks have pointed out the Suns’ dissatisfaction with the Spurs’ proposed returns.
Phoenix Suns Demand Significant Young Talent in Return
The Suns appear reluctant to finalize a deal without adequate compensation, particularly wanting to secure players with considerable upside. Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that Phoenix showed disinterest in the players the Spurs initially made available, with the Suns reportedly willing to consider veterans only if key young pieces were included.
Stein noted,
“Phoenix is not enamored with the players San Antonio has made available in the teams’ talks to date”
and that a deal might happen if
“the Spurs are only willing to discuss veterans such as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes.”
—Marc Stein, The Stein Line journalist
In response, San Antonio upgraded its offer to include those veterans along with their No. 14 draft pick and additional second-round draft assets. However, the Suns rejected this arrangement, seeking either Stephon Castle or Jeremy Sochan instead of draft picks, further complicating discussions.
Spurs’ Reluctance to Surrender Young Core May End Trade Prospects
The impasse appears rooted in the Spurs’ unwillingness to part with their young core talent, a stance that could ultimately cost them the chance to land Durant. Sam Amick, a writer at The Athletic, expressed skepticism about San Antonio’s trade ambition, referencing the team’s previous reluctance during the De’Aaron Fox trade as evidence of their protective attitude toward key players.
Amick commented,
“you and I lived it with the [De’Aaron] Fox trade, we just saw how the Spurs had zero intention or willingness to give up anything on their roster—let alone anybody in their young core. I don’t know that that has changed all that much. The way it’s put to me: They’re not going to go all in to get Durant.”
—Sam Amick, The Athletic
This hesitation epitomizes the tension between pursuing immediate championship contention and preserving a promising group of young players, leaving the trade’s future uncertain. A deal could elevate the Spurs into contention, but it hinges on meeting Phoenix’s demanding conditions.
Financial Incentives of Joining the Spurs Highlighted by NBA Insiders
Aside from basketball fit and roster impact, financial considerations add another dimension to Durant’s potential move to San Antonio. NBA analyst Ryen Russillo highlighted a significant monetary benefit for the star player if he joins the Spurs, who are based in Texas—a state without a state income tax.
During a discussion with Bill Simmons, Russillo explained,
“no state income tax in Texas”
and
“Oh yeah, huge advantage for the Stars.”
—Ryen Russillo, NBA writer
This tax-free benefit contrasts with the obligations players face in other states such as Massachusetts and Wisconsin, where teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are based. For example, Boston players pay up to 9% state income tax on earnings above $1 million, while Milwaukee’s top tax rate approaches 7.65%. Such savings can have a meaningful impact on a player’s net income beyond their federal taxes and other deductions.
Kevin Durant’s Career Future and Trade Outlook Remain Unclear
Kevin Durant’s net worth of approximately $101.4 million underscores his success, yet his NBA future is still uncertain given his expiring contract and the stalled trade talks. A move to the Spurs could extend his legacy, potentially adding a third championship ring and allowing him to mentor exciting young talent. Still, the financial and competitive contexts complicate the situation further.
While no official announcement has been made, the current roadblocks in negotiations suggest the trade may not materialize unless the Spurs adjust their offers to meet Phoenix’s demands. The reluctance to exchange prized prospects has had a clear impact on the possibility of reaching a deal, which leaves fans and analysts watching closely as this high-stakes saga unfolds.