The Kevin Durant sweepstakes are officially heating up, and the future Hall of Famer’s time in Phoenix is all but over.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Phoenix Suns and Durant’s business partner, Rich Kleiman, are “sifting through trade options” and working closely together to chart the superstar’s next destination. Multiple meetings have already taken place, and momentum is building toward a deal before the 2025 NBA Draft.
Durant, who averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this past season while shooting 53.1% from midrange and an NBA-best 49.7% on jumpers, is still performing at an elite level despite turning 37 this September.
Yet, after a chaotic season in Phoenix where the Suns finished 36-46 despite carrying the most expensive roster in NBA history, change is inevitable. With a new head coach in Jordan Ott and a restructured front office led by Brian Gregory, the franchise is shifting gears, and Durant is not part of their long-term plan.
Charania reports that five teams have emerged as the main suitors: the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.
Each offers a unique combination of young talent, draft capital, and competitive ambition. Some dark-horse teams are also reportedly lurking, but it’s these five franchises that appear firmly in the race.
However, one team may already be leading the pack. According to Bill Simmons, a deal with the San Antonio Spurs is already done in principle, it’s just a matter of timing. Simmons says both parties have mutual interest and have been working behind the scenes for weeks.
For Durant, pairing with Victor Wembanyama, the most transcendent young talent in the league, is an opportunity to remain in the Western Conference and chase another championship. For the Spurs, it would mark a seismic shift from rebuild to contender, instantly vaulting them into the playoff mix.
The Houston Rockets, who have quietly assembled one of the best young cores in the league, are also making a serious push. With Ime Udoka as head coach, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun blossoming, and the cap space to absorb Durant’s $54.7 million contract, Houston could give Phoenix exactly what it wants: picks, prospects, and financial relief.
Minnesota has emerged as a surprise suitor, potentially offering Karl-Anthony Towns in a blockbuster deal. Miami, meanwhile, continues to lurk in the superstar market, and Durant’s offensive efficiency would be a dream fit alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
As for the Knicks, they remain a major-market player with a deep war chest of picks and young assets, though internal doubts about fit and timeline remain.
Durant is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth $112 million once traded or up to $124 million if he waits six months. That leverage, along with his reputation and elite shooting, makes him one of the most unique trade pieces in modern NBA history.
One thing is certain: the Kevin Durant era in Phoenix is coming to a close. Where he lands next could reshape the league once again.
