It’s no longer a rumor—it’s the NBA’s worst kept secret. Kevin Durant is very likely getting traded this offseason. The 2025 Finals are nearly wrapped up, the NBA Draft is coming up fast on June 25, and the Phoenix Suns are officially listening to offers. It’s the kind of drama the NBA lives for, and this time, it's centered around a future Hall-of-Famer still capable of dropping 30 on any given night.
With ESPN’s Shams Charania recently confirming that several teams are already in the hunt—including Houston, San Antonio, Minnesota, Miami, New York, and Toronto—it’s not a question of if, but when the KD trade bomb will drop. And we’re not talking smoke here—Durant himself released a list of preferred destinations, which includes the Rockets, Spurs, and Heat.
But let’s get one thing straight: Phoenix doesn’t owe Durant a soft landing. The Suns are out to get the best deal possible. They’re holding a valuable card, and several teams are lining up, phones in hand, hoping to land one of the league’s most gifted scorers. So which team is the best fit for KD? Let’s break down the contenders and rank ‘em—from "meh" to "make it happen now."
🔥 6. New York Knicks: The Big Apple Temptation
New York finally got a taste of real postseason basketball this year, and Karl-Anthony Towns played a big role in that. Trading him for Durant would be a major shake-up, but does it move the needle?
Let’s look at it. Durant is nearly 37, but he’s still one of the best pure shooters in the game. He’d thrive playing off Jalen Brunson, who commands double teams like a seasoned vet. On paper, it works. But there’s some baggage. KAT is a defensive liability and carries a $171 million contract for the next three years. Durant’s deal isn’t exactly a steal either.
Plus, Brunson-Durant lineups would lean hard on Mitchell Robinson defensively. That’s asking a lot. And the Knicks don’t even have a head coach locked in yet. Shouldn’t they get that sorted before throwing another blockbuster into the mix?
Bottom line: KD in New York would be must-see TV, but this move feels more style than substance.
🧊 5. Toronto Raptors: Run It Back, Kawhi-Style?
Remember 2019? Toronto gambled on a one-year Kawhi rental and walked away with a title. Could lightning strike twice?
Well, not quite. This Raptors squad isn’t one Durant away from a ring. They’re more “maybe we sneak into the second round” than “parade planning.” Still, there’s intrigue. If Toronto can snag Durant without giving up Scottie Barnes or their No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft, they suddenly become a whole lot more fun to watch.
Shooting was a disaster for the Raptors last year—they ranked 29th in three-point rate. Durant, even in low volume, shot 43% from deep. That kind of gravity could transform this offense overnight. But do they have the guts to make the offer?
A Toronto deal is more of a dark horse possibility. KD makes them better, but not contender better. High-risk, low-ceiling.
🔥 4. Miami Heat: Desperation Meets Opportunity
Pat Riley doesn’t mess around. The Heat may have flamed out in the playoffs, but they’re always one move away from relevance. With Jimmy Butler shipped off, the Heat are eyeing Durant like a hawk on a mouse.
Miami has pieces: Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and promising rookie big Kel’el Ware. Giving up Ware would sting, but it might be the sweetener that gets Phoenix to pick up the phone. Coach Spoelstra has a history of turning water into wine, so imagine what he could do with Durant in the mix.
Still, Miami’s ceiling after this trade might not scream “championship.” But if there’s one team that can get more out of less, it’s the Heat. Their desperation could make them dangerous buyers—and that makes them worth watching closely.
🚀 3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Time to Win, Now or Never
The Wolves are tired of being close. After two straight Conference Finals exits, they’re itching for a leap—and Durant could be the slingshot.
They reportedly made a push for KD at the trade deadline, and they might come back swinging now. The trade likely hinges on Julius Randle, assuming a third team can smooth the salary logistics. Getting Durant in return gives Minnesota a more fluid, unpredictable offense—and pairing him with Anthony Edwards, his childhood idol, is just too fun to ignore.
Sure, losing depth would hurt. Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are both free agents. But this is a win-now team, and Durant raises their offensive ceiling in a big way. If Edwards-Durant clicks, it could be special.
🚀 2. Houston Rockets: Surprise Contenders?
Nobody expected Houston to rocket up the standings this year, but they did—snagging the No. 2 seed and finishing with 52 wins. Their defense was elite, but the offense? Not so much. Durant could fix that real quick.
Houston has a fascinating trade angle here: they don’t even have to include the best Suns picks they own in 2027 and 2029. That’s right—they could keep the picks and add Durant. Now we’re talking.
Jabari Smith Jr. would be a tough piece to move, but fair value for KD. And Jalen Green? Moving on from him might be addition by subtraction. Durant adds shooting, star power, and immediate credibility.
The one question: Is Durant the right star? The Rockets could wait for someone like Giannis or Devin Booker. But if the deal is this sweet, it might be too tempting to pass up.
🏀 1. San Antonio Spurs: The Perfect Storm
This just makes too much sense.
The Spurs have the draft capital, the young core, and most importantly—Victor Wembanyama. KD and Wemby in the same frontcourt would be absolutely terrifying. Imagine defending that two-man game. Go ahead, we’ll wait.
Durant could slide into an off-ball scoring role and stretch the floor, especially with guys like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle expected to be part of the rotation. If San Antonio can make this deal without giving up Harper or Devin Vassell, it’s a slam dunk.
Durant would need to lean more into his three-point shooting in this setup, but the fit is silky smooth. It also gives the Spurs a bridge between Wemby’s development years and full-on contention. The KD deal doesn’t compromise the future—it accelerates it.
Final Thoughts: It’s KD Watch, Baby
Let’s face it—this is the calm before the storm. One big trade (looking at you, Mikal Bridges to Brooklyn) has already popped off before the Finals even ended. A Durant deal is next. You can feel it.
Teams are circling. Durant’s list is out. Phoenix wants to win the trade. Everything’s in motion.
When the Woj Bomb or Shams Nuke finally drops, don’t be surprised if it’s San Antonio or Houston standing in the rubble holding Durant’s jersey. The only question left is—who’s willing to risk it all?
Because this summer, one move might change everything.
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