According to sources reported by ESPN on Saturday night, Kevin Durant, the star forward for the Phoenix Suns, has identified three preferred trade destinations: the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. This news comes as discussions around his future intensify within the NBA, with teams around the league now aware of Durant's commitment to signing a long-term extension with any of these three franchises.
Durant is currently on an expiring contract worth $54.7 million for the 2025-26 NBA season. The Suns have made it clear to the six to eight teams seriously interested in acquiring him that they are open to negotiating the best possible deal for the franchise. This includes the possibility of trading Durant to a team outside of his preferred destinations if the right offer comes along, according to sources.
Since the February trade deadline, there has been widespread speculation that Durant could be traded, especially after the Suns engaged in discussions about his future. Although he remained in Phoenix following the deadline, his potential trade has been a topic of conversation among franchises. Once traded, Durant will be eligible to sign a lucrative two-year contract extension starting July 6, with a value of up to $122 million. Should he wait an additional six months after the trade, that figure could increase to $124 million.
The NBA free agency market is set to reset in the summer of 2026, with a significant increase in teams having cap space. This is a notable shift from the current offseason, where only the Brooklyn Nets have substantial cap flexibility. Teams are gearing up for a more competitive market, making Durant's potential availability even more significant.
Durant, who will turn 37 in September, recently made his 15th All-Star team and showcased impressive statistics this season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games. His performance has been remarkable, as he has maintained averages of at least 25 points per game, along with shooting percentages of 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc for three consecutive seasons—the longest streak of its kind in NBA history.
Durant continues to demonstrate his elite shooting abilities, leading the NBA with a 49.7% success rate on jump shots and 53.1% on midrange attempts. Additionally, he boasts a remarkable 50.9% shooting percentage on off-the-dribble jumpers, showcasing his offensive versatility and skill on the court.
This past season, the Suns finished with a 36-46 record, placing them 11th in the Western Conference despite having the highest payroll in league history. This disappointing performance has led to significant organizational changes, including the appointment of Brian Gregory as the new general manager and the hiring of Jordan Ott, a former assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the new head coach.
Since joining the Suns in a trade at the February 2023 deadline, Durant has made a significant impact, averaging 26.8 points per game—the highest in Suns history for a player during their tenure with the franchise. As discussions about his future continue, the NBA community will be closely watching how this situation unfolds and what it means for both Durant and the teams involved.
