The Phoenix Suns are having a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting at No. 11 in the West with a 30-36 record. They haven’t been able to catch up to the injured Dallas Mavericks in the No. 10 spot, with many predicting their season to end outside the Playoffs. This will likely lead to summer changes, starting with the trade of Kevin Durant.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly been one of the most interested teams in a Kevin Durant trade. However, HoopsHype has reported that the Timberwolves have made two key stars untouchable in potential Durant trade conversations.
“The Timberwolves aggressively pursued Durant in trade talks before the deadline and are expected to circle the wagon again this summer, but were unwilling to part with star guard Anthony Edwards and versatile forward Jaden McDaniels in discussions, league sources told HoopsHype. “
“Instead, Timberwolves forward Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo were discussed as part of trade talks for Durant, league sources told HoopsHype.”
“Minnesota has now won 11 straight games Randle has played, and he has a $30.94 million player option for the 2025-26 season. DiVincenzo, meanwhile, is shooting 39.4 percent from three-point range this season and is averaging a career-high 3.7 assists.”
This is essentially the Timberwolves trying to flip the package they received for Karl-Anthony Towns to the Suns for Durant. It’s a bold strategy, but the Suns could easily get more for Durant in the summer if they hold open talks with multiple teams around the NBA.
Teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs could swoop in with a better offer, so the Timberwolves have to tread cautiously. But given the relationship Durant has with Anthony Edwards, it seems like this might be a match made in heaven.
Naz Reid Could Be Traded For Kevin Durant
One key rotational player whose name was absent from the untouchables list is Naz Reid, who could be a free agent this summer. He’s also a potential long-term option for starting center past Rudy Gobert while currently being an option who can effortlessly play alongside anyone.
HoopsHype reported that the Timberwolves didn’t bat away interest in Reid, but are also confident they can match his upcoming contract needs.
“It’s also worth noting that reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid drew interest from the Suns as part of the Durant trade talks, league sources told HoopsHype. Reid is expected to decline his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season and enter unrestricted free agency this summer.”
“Nonetheless, Minnesota hopes to re-sign Reid to a long-term contract, league sources told HoopsHype. In the meantime, the playoffs will have massive implications for which direction the Suns, Timberwolves, and other teams will go this summer.”
Reid is averaging 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds this season, so the Suns would love to land him. He might also be the best player alongside Randle, who’s averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season.
A package with Reid, Randle, and DiVincenzo could be fascinating enough for the Suns to take a look at, so we’ll have to continue monitoring what happens with Durant and the Timberwolves.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
