In a significant development in the NBA, Kevin Durant has narrowed his trade preferences down to three teams: the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 36-year-old superstar is open to signing a contract extension with any of these franchises. This news comes as the Phoenix Suns have informed the six to eight teams showing serious interest that they will prioritize trades that benefit the franchise's future rather than solely focusing on Durant's preferences.
Despite Durant's clear interest in joining the Heat, Spurs, or Rockets, the Suns are committed to making decisions based on what is best for the organization. Reports indicate that the New York Knicks are not in the running for Durant, as confirmed by The Post’s Stefan Bondy. During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Charania suggested that a trade involving Durant could materialize within the next few days, highlighting that both Miami and Houston have gained significant traction in trade discussions with the Suns. The Minnesota Timberwolves also emerged as a potential candidate in these negotiations.
Kevin Durant is currently under contract for one more year, with a salary of $54.7 million for the 2025-26 NBA season. If traded, he would become eligible for a lucrative two-year, $122 million contract extension starting July 6. This financial aspect adds an intriguing layer to potential trade discussions, making Durant a coveted asset for any team looking to enhance their roster.
The Suns' recent experiment with a star-studded lineup, featuring Durant alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, fell short of expectations. The team was swept in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, leading to the dismissal of head coach Frank Vogel after just one season. The Suns then struggled under new coach Mike Budenholzer, finishing the season with a disappointing 36-46 record and missing the playoffs altogether, resulting in another coaching change. Recently, Jordan Ott, a former assistant with the Cavaliers, was appointed as the team’s new head coach.
Despite the turmoil surrounding the Suns, Kevin Durant had a stellar individual season, earning his 15th career All-Star selection. He averaged an impressive 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games, showcasing his shooting prowess with a field goal percentage of 52.7%, including 43% from three-point range. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, who finished the season at 37-45, were eliminated by the top-seeded Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. The Houston Rockets, securing a strong 52-30 record, were the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference but fell to the Warriors in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Spurs, finishing at 34-48, missed the playoffs but are optimistic about their future with rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
As the NBA landscape evolves, all eyes are on Kevin Durant and the potential trade talks surrounding him. With his clear preference for the Heat, Spurs, or Rockets, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Suns will navigate this situation. Will Durant's next chapter unfold in one of these three franchises? Only time will tell, but the upcoming days are set to be pivotal in shaping his future in the league.
