Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix is coming to an end. The writing is on the wall, and the Suns have made their price tag clear—any team that wants to acquire the 15-time All-Star will need to send back a young prospect and three first-round picks.
That’s a steep cost for a player who will likely be a one-year rental, but it’s still Kevin Durant we’re talking about. Even as he approaches 37 years old, he’s one of the best scorers on the planet, averaging 26.9 points per game this season while shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field.
With Durant making $54.7 million next season before hitting free agency in the summer of 2026, teams will have to weigh the risk of giving up premium assets for a short-term shot at contention. Some teams simply can’t afford that gamble—namely, the Lakers and Mavericks, who are completely out of the race because they don’t have three first-round picks to offer.
We have provided a look into how the Lakers could potentially acquire Durant if Phoenix were to change their demands, and we did the same for the struggling Mavericks.
But for teams with the draft capital and the willingness to push their chips in, the opportunity to land a superstar-caliber scorer is there. We’ve crafted six trade scenarios, built around a young player and picks, that meet the Suns’ demands while also making sense for all parties involved. Each team will need to add other players in the trade detail to match Durant’s salary for the deal to go through.
Golden State Warriors Blockbuster Reunion
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)
This is the ultimate “run it back” scenario, and you know Warriors fans would go crazy if Kevin Durant returned to the Bay. The chemistry between Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green is already proven—two championships, three straight Finals appearances, and some of the most dominant basketball we’ve ever seen.
The Warriors have struggled to stay in the upper echelon of the West in 2024-25, even with Jimmy Butler’s arrival, so bringing back Durant could instantly make them title favorites again. Losing Jonathan Kuminga stings, as he’s turned into a legitimate 20+ PPG scorer, but at the end of the day, the Warriors are in a win-now mode as Curry nears 37.
For Phoenix, this is about cashing in before Durant walks for nothing next summer. Kuminga (in a sign-and-trade scenario) is the headliner here—a young, athletic wing who’s shown flashes of stardom when given the opportunity. The first-round picks give the Suns assets they desperately need after gutting their draft capital in past trades. This deal doesn’t bring back an All-Star-level player right now, but it does give Phoenix a piece to build around post-Durant.
Would KD want this? That’s the real question. His departure from Golden State wasn’t exactly smooth, and returning could feel like an admission that he never should have left in the first place. But if Durant values one more shot at a championship, this might be his best chance.
Houston Rockets Make A Power Move
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC/PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL/PHX), 2030 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston has been knocking on the door all season, but a move like this could blow it wide open. The Rockets already boast a strong young core in Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green, but what they lack is a true offensive closer—the guy who gets the ball in crunch time and delivers.
That’s exactly what Durant would provide. At 36, he’s still a walking bucket, and in a playoff setting, he instantly makes Houston a legit contender. Pairing him with Green, Thompson, and Sengun would give the Rockets a perfect blend of star power, defense, and shot creation.
The cost? Jabari Smith Jr. and three first-round picks. Smith has shown serious potential as a two-way big, but if you’re Houston, you’re getting Durant without giving up your best young player in Sengun or your top prospect in Amen Thompson. That’s a win. The first-round picks in 2025, 2029, and 2030 are a steep price, but this is a move that signals the Rockets are done waiting—they’re ready to win now.
For the Suns, Jabari Smith Jr. gives them a long-term asset who fits well next to Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The draft picks help replenish their empty cupboard, making this a move that balances both the present and future. If Phoenix is prioritizing a young player over an immediate star, this is a solid deal.
Memphis Grizzlies Create Dynamic Duo
Proposed Trade Details
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2028 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2031 First-Round Pick (MEM)
If the Grizzlies want to get back into contention, this is the type of move they have to consider. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite defensive anchor and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but Memphis has lacked a true second-scoring option next to Ja Morant.
A Morant-Durant pairing instantly gives Memphis one of the most lethal offensive duos in the league. With Desmond Bane still in the mix as well, the Grizzlies would be back in the thick of the Western Conference race.
For the Suns, this is a best-case scenario if they want a player who helps them stay competitive right away. Jackson is only 25 years old and already a two-time All-Star and former DPOY winner. He would slide in perfectly alongside Booker and Beal, giving Phoenix a dynamic frontcourt presence who can space the floor and protect the rim. The three first-round picks (2027, 2028, and 2031) sweeten the deal, ensuring Phoenix gets long-term assets as well.
This trade hinges on how Memphis views its championship window. If they believe Morant and Durant can carry them to the promised land, sacrificing JJJ is worth it. But if they think Jackson is too important to their defensive identity, they might hesitate to make this move.
Miami Heat Take A Major Gamble
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Tyler Herro, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2031 First-Round Pick (MIA)
This is classic Pat Riley. Miami always seems to be lurking whenever a superstar becomes available, and Durant fits the mold of a Heat culture player—skilled, tough, and battle-tested. With Bam Adebayo anchoring the defense under Erik Spoelstra’s no-nonsense playing style, adding Durant would give the Heat a true star player to help Miami challenge Boston and Cleveland in the East. Of course, they will be in the mix for some free-agent signings this summer.
Tyler Herro is the price Miami pays, along with three first-round picks (2025, 2029, and 2031). Herro has been solid but not quite the franchise star the Heat hoped he’d become. His scoring and shooting would be missed, but when you can add a player like Durant, you make that trade 10 times out of 10. Miami’s biggest question will be whether a 36-year-old Durant is enough to push them over the hump or if they should hold onto their future assets instead.
For Phoenix, Herro gives them an instant-impact player who can take on a larger scoring role, especially if they move Bradley Beal next. The draft picks give the Suns more flexibility moving forward. This trade might not be the flashiest offer, but if Phoenix wants to stay competitive without completely tearing things down, it’s a logical move.
OKC Thunder Continue Building A Powerhouse
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (Dallas Swap), 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
The Thunder have built one of the most exciting young teams in the league, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Adding Durant to that mix? That’s a scary thought. OKC has plenty of draft capital to work with, so moving three picks (2025, 2028, and 2031) isn’t a huge concern.
Losing Jalen Williams, though, is where the Thunder might hesitate. Williams has emerged as a key piece, but if they believe Durant is the missing championship ingredient, it’s a deal worth considering. For Phoenix, Williams is exactly the type of young player they should be targeting—versatile, skilled, and still developing.
The three first-rounders only add to the Suns’ asset pool. This trade allows Phoenix to pivot while still remaining competitive, especially if they retool around Booker and Beal.
Would KD want this? His history with OKC is complicated, to say the least. But if the Thunder are truly in a position to win a title, Durant might see this as a chance to complete unfinished business. A championship in OKC would rewrite his legacy in the best possible way.
San Antonio Spurs Create A Superteam
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Devin Vassell, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2031 First-Round Pick (SAS)
Victor Wembanyama has already proven he’s a generational talent and De’Aaron Fox is an All-Star point guard, but they need help if the Spurs want to contend. Durant gives him exactly that—a superstar who can take pressure off the young big man while also mentoring him in his early years.
A Durant-Wemby-Fox trio would instantly become one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA, blending elite scoring, size, and versatility. The Western Conference would be on notice.
Devin Vassell is the centerpiece heading back to Phoenix, along with three valuable first-round picks (2025, 2027, and 2031). Vassell has quietly become one of the most promising young wings in the league, averaging 15.9 PPG with strong two-way ability. Losing him hurts, but if the Spurs want to speed up their rebuild and contend immediately, Durant is the kind of player who accelerates that process.
For Phoenix, this is a solid deal because it brings back a young player who can contribute immediately while also giving them three premium picks. It’s not the flashiest return, but it fits the Suns’ need to rebuild without completely bottoming out. If Wemby, Fox, and Durant team up, San Antonio might just build the next great NBA dynasty.
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