Kevin Durant’s Phoenix saga looks destined for its next act. With the Suns entertaining calls and the 36‑year‑old superstar publicly narrowing his options to just three ideal destinations, San Antonio, Houston, or Miami, NBA insiders are buzzing.
No stranger to bold statements, Durant has made it clear: he won’t entertain a move to Minnesota, despite the Timberwolves registering significant interest but still refusing to include Jaden McDaniels in a deal. Instead, he’ll take his talents to one of his chosen cities, or perhaps watch the Suns decide for him.
Each franchise offers a distinct path: the San Antonio Spurs can pair Durant with generational Victor Wembanyama and fuel a youthful resurgence; the Houston Rockets can instantly vault from playoff hopeful to contender with Durant anchoring their rising core; and the Miami Heat provide a South Beach brand and championship-fueled culture built around hard-nosed veteran leadership.
While we expect the deal to be significant, it likely won’t yield the same return as Desmond Bane, the All-Star-level shooting guard who brought back four first-round picks to the Grizzlies.
While Phoenix holds the leverage, Durant’s preference carries weight, and all three suitors have already made compelling pitches. In this breakdown, we’ll rank the top three Durant destinations from the aforementioned teams. Let’s dive into which offer Suns president Mat Ishbia and Co. should accept and which suits Durant best.
1. Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale, 2025 No. 10 overall pick
The Rockets land at the top thanks to a balanced package: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale, and the No. 10 overall pick. There is some speculation as to why this deal hasn’t happened yet, but it might be just some hesitancy from Houston’s part to lose two youngsters.
However, Durant could be the missing piece they need, and the Suns would likely accept a deal immediately if put together as above. Young players and a valuable first-rounder should be enough to part ways with the 36-year-old.
Jalen Green, just 23, has already demonstrated star-level scoring, averaging 21.1 points per game and hitting 38 in a playoff win this season, revealing his offensive upside. Jabari Smith, a 6’10” stretch-four who averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, brings length and defense.
Landale provides a veteran big along with the lottery pick, giving Phoenix flexibility to retool immediately or stash for future use. From Houston’s perspective, adding Durant to a core featuring Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Alperen Sengun creates a potent blend of youth and championship experience.
Coach Ime Udoka’s system, built on two-way versatility and pace, meshes well with KD’s perimeter game, providing instant Western Conference relevance. However, the Rockets must weigh long-term development: can sacrificing Green and Smith sidestep their rebuild, even as they gain a two-year Finals-caliber star approaching age 37?
Ultimately, Houston’s allure lies in their draft capital parade; their control of Phoenix’s No. 10 pick and multiple future unprotected selections make this package both competitive and flexible. It ranks first because it provides Phoenix with enticing assets while offering Houston the pieces to be a contender.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 No. 14 overall pick
San Antonio’s deal ranks second thanks to a thrilling blueprint: pairing Durant with phenom Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, forming a potentially historic trio. Phoenix would receive Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and the No. 14 pick, a mix of shooting, athleticism, and defensive versatility.
The Suns have rejected the Spurs’ counter-offer so far, but we imagine the three most valuable and available assets would have to be included to get the deal done. Vassell (16.3 PPG) recently signed a $146M extension and dropped 37 points on the Nets, with excellent 3‑point and two-way capabilities.
Johnson averaged 12.7 PPG on 48.2% FG this season, while Sochan is a do-everything wing with defensive chops on a rookie deal. This trade leaves the Spurs with a core of Wembanyama, Fox, and Durant, allowing them to remain competitive while the younger players develop.
It also preserves their future flexibility: the No. 14 pick helps replenish depth. Yet San Antonio is giving up a solid wing rotation and long-term stability, and concerns linger about whether aging Durant can propel them deep into the postseason.
Still, pairing Durant with Wembanyama and Fox is too intriguing to ignore. The upside is electric, blending generational talent with veteran scoring and basketball IQ. For that reason, the Spurs’ package ranks high, just behind Houston, and the Suns might have to accept in case they don’t believe in Jalen Green enough.
3. Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, Duncan Robinson, 2025 No. 20 overall pick, 2031 first-round pick (MIA)
Miami trails only because of a less robust return for Phoenix, but it remains a solid third option. Their offer of Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, Duncan Robinson, the No. 20 pick, and a 2031 first-rounder provides shooting, wing defense, and depth.
Wiggins averaged 18.0 PPG and had a 42‑point explosion this season, while Ware produced 9.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and shot-blocking in limited minutes. Robinson’s expiring deal ($19,888,000 player option) offers salary relief, and the pick capitalizes on Miami’s knack for high-value late picks.
Durant fits Miami’s culture, South Beach intensity, playoff experience, and proximity to free-agent magnets. But the Heat lack high-end talent nearby: after Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, there’s a dearth of proven stars. The timeline to contend hinges on pushing every chip in, with less margin for error.
Ultimately, while Miami offers synergy and culture, the trade package is less compelling than Houston’s or San Antonio’s. It ranks third due to limited draft capital and a middling supporting cast. Still, it’s a viable landing spot for Durant seeking a mix of contention and off-court lifestyle.
