Kevin Durant Trade Rumors The 2025 NBA offseason is already heating up with rumors swirling that Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant could be on the move once again. The Suns, reportedly engaged in active trade conversations, appear ready to reshuffle their roster, and KD’s future is at the center of it all. As trade talks intensify, two teams—the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs—have emerged as the frontrunners for Durant’s services, while other contenders like the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Atlanta Hawks also lurk in the shadows. Let’s dive deep into the potential trade scenarios and what each team could offer.
Why Are the Suns Trading Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors situation in Phoenix has reached a crossroads. With only one year left on his contract (worth $54.7 million), the Suns are looking to get something in return rather than risk losing him for nothing. Unlike past Durant trades, the market this time is more subdued—Durant is still an elite scorer, but at 37 years old and on an expiring deal, teams are hesitant to pay a premium. The Suns, meanwhile, are eager to recoup some of the draft capital they gave up to acquire him from Brooklyn and to regain control over their own picks, which are largely controlled by Houston.
Houston Rockets: The Frontrunner?
Houston Rockets have quickly become the most mentioned suitor for Durant. The Suns are motivated to re-acquire some of their own draft picks that Houston holds, including the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Rockets, a young team on the rise, are looking to take the next step and contend, and Durant’s scoring and leadership could be exactly what they need.
A potential deal between the Rockets and Suns could center around Jalen Green, whose scoring prowess and youth make him a valuable asset. To match salaries, Dillon Brooks would likely be included, combining their salaries to nearly match Durant’s. From a picks perspective, the Suns would likely demand the 10th pick and perhaps a future first-rounder—possibly the 2027 pick that originally belonged to Phoenix.
Potential Trade Package:
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To Suns: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 10th overall pick, 2027 first-round pick
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To Rockets: Kevin Durant
For the Rockets, this is a hefty price. Given Durant’s age and contract length, Houston might prefer to offer just Green, Brooks, and the 10th pick, keeping the 2027 first for other potential moves.
San Antonio Spurs: KD’s Preferred Destination?
Reports indicate that Durant himself might prefer to join the San Antonio Spurs, hoping to team up with rising star Victor Wembanyama and point guard De’Aaron Fox (if they trade for him). For the Spurs, the opportunity to add Durant without gutting their core is tantalizing. San Antonio has multiple picks from Atlanta and Sacramento to sweeten the deal without sacrificing key players like Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, or rookie Stephon Castle.
However, matching Durant’s salary would require the Spurs to package contracts like Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes, plus a bundle of draft picks. The Suns might ask for some of San Antonio’s own picks, but the Spurs would likely try to protect their most valuable future assets.
Potential Trade Package:
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To Suns: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Atlanta’s 2025 pick, Atlanta’s pick swap, Sacramento’s future first-round pick
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To Spurs: Kevin Durant
This package is less flashy than Houston’s but might appeal to the Suns if Durant forces his way to San Antonio.
New York Knicks: A Wild Card Option
The Knicks are known for making big splashes and could be in the mix for Durant, especially after firing Tom Thibodeau and retooling their roster. The most straightforward option would be a Karl-Anthony Towns for Durant swap, given Towns’ close relationship with Devin Booker and the similar salaries.
Alternatively, the Knicks could try to build a package around Mikal Bridges, though his $24.9 million salary falls well short of Durant’s, complicating the trade math. Including Josh Hart and other contracts could bridge the gap, but the Knicks might be hesitant to deplete their depth in exchange for a short-term rental of KD.
Potential Trade Package:
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To Suns: Karl-Anthony Towns
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To Knicks: Kevin Durant
While intriguing, this trade hinges on both sides’ willingness to swap stars and take a gamble on each player’s fit in a new system.
Other Dark Horses: Timberwolves and Hawks
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned but face challenges matching salaries without giving up too much of their core. A package involving Julius Randle, Dillingham, and other assets could be explored, especially if Nas Reed leaves in free agency.
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, could see Durant as the star to pair with Trae Young. However, building a deal would likely require giving up promising young talent like Jalen Johnson or Zaccharie Risacher, which Atlanta might be reluctant to do given Durant’s age and contract status.
Conclusion: Houston and San Antonio Lead the Race
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes are on the Rockets and Spurs. Houston has the picks Phoenix desperately wants, while San Antonio has the appeal of being Durant’s preferred destination. The final trade package will depend on Durant’s willingness to embrace either team—and on how desperate the Suns are to get something in return.
If the Suns want to maximize their return, Houston’s offer of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and picks remains the most realistic. If Kevin Durant Trade Rumors tries to force his way to San Antonio, the Spurs might have to increase their offer—perhaps by including Sochan or Castle—to entice Phoenix to agree.
One thing is certain: Durant’s trade will shape the landscape of the NBA offseason. Stay tuned as the dominoes start to fall.
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