As the 2025–2026 NBA season approaches, the burning question remains which team will acquire Kevin Durant. After a disappointing season in which the Phoenix Suns finished 12th in the Western Conference, far from playoff contention, many expect Durant, a 15-time All-Star, to be traded. However, trading Durant is complicated by his age, selectiveness, and the Suns’ challenging position in negotiations, creating one of the most intricate trade scenarios in recent memory.
Durant’s Restrictions Narrow Potential Landing Spots
At 36 years old, Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s premier scorers but is no longer at his peak value. Beyond his age, Durant’s preference for specific destinations complicates trade talks, as he has reportedly set his sights on only a few franchises: San Antonio, Miami, and Houston. These teams, according to reports, are ones he believes can contend for deep postseason runs, making any trade negotiations more complex than usual.
NBA analyst Brian Windhorst addressed the complexities involved during an episode of NBA on ESPN, explaining how Durant’s targeted choices limit competitive offers. Windhorst noted,
“The market is not an open market,”
clarifying that multiple competing offers aren’t driving the process.
“It’s not like there’s 10 teams bidding and the Suns can just pit guys against each other and take the best offer. Because Durant wants to direct where he wants to go and because some of the teams that Durant is interested in are motivated to limit what they can offer, it’s difficult to get the triangle into alignment.”
—Brian Windhorst, NBA Analyst
Durant’s Recent Career and Influence on Trade Dynamics
While Durant’s career has been storied—highlighted by two NBA championships and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—his impact since leaving Golden State Warriors in 2019 has been less transformative. Despite strong individual performances, he has not been able to lead Brooklyn or Phoenix to significant playoff success. This phase of his career underscores the power a star player like Durant holds in directing his next move, often prioritizing personal goals and preferences over straightforward business deals.
Suns Aim to Finalize Trade by Draft, but Flexibility Remains
The Suns reportedly want to conclude Durant’s trade by the NBA Draft, which would allow the acquiring team adequate time to reshape their roster around him. Windhorst elaborated on this strategy, explaining why timing is crucial:
“The Suns obviously want to do this by the draft,”
he said, highlighting the benefits of completing the deal early.
“First, if you are going to trade for Kevin Durant, you’re probably going to have to make other adjustments to your roster to fit next to Durant, and you want to have the entire transaction season to do so.”
Additionally, draft night execution plays a big role in such transactions. Windhorst added,
“Secondly, if you’re trading for a draft pick, you want to be able to execute that pick on draft night itself.”
—Brian Windhorst, NBA Analyst
Despite their preference for a swift resolution, the Suns are not compelled to complete a trade by the draft if suitable offers do not materialize. Windhorst stated,
If they don’t like their offers, they don’t have to do it by the draft.
—Brian Windhorst, NBA Analyst
Speculation on Durant’s Possible Destinations and Future Mindset
Among the speculated destinations, San Antonio seems to be gaining the most attention, with TV personality Skip Bayless recently suggesting it as a fitting spot for Durant, who has had stints with Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and Suns. Bayless also raised concerns about Durant’s competitive drive, controversially describing him as “semi-retired.” On his podcast, Skip Bayless said,
“I believe he’s mentally, psychologically, and emotionally semi-retired when it comes to prioritizing goals. He wants to continue to work hard on his craft as a shooter, but he no longer has as his primary goal leading a team to a championship.”
—Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
Looking Ahead: Durant’s Impact and the Suns’ Next Steps
With Kevin Durant’s trade situation shrouded in hesitation and selectivity, the Suns face a daunting challenge in negotiating a deal that satisfies both Durant’s preferences and their own rebuilding goals. Durant’s willingness to dictate his destination highlights the influence that marquee players maintain, even in later stages of their careers. Whichever team ultimately acquires Durant will need to balance accommodating his priorities with building a competitive roster.
This evolving story will significantly affect NBA playoff landscapes and the futures of several franchises, making the resolution one of the most pivotal developments before the 2025–2026 season. Durant’s next move will reveal whether his competitive flame still burns fiercely or if his perspective on basketball has shifted toward a broader life view, away from solely chasing championships.