The NBA offseason is heating up well before the draft even arrives, and the biggest storyline dominating the rumor mill is the expected trade of one of the league’s most enigmatic and game-changing superstars: Kevin Durant. According to sources close to the situation, a blockbuster trade involving Durant is not only likely but expected to be finalized before the NBA Draft on June 25th. With multiple teams currently engaged in serious negotiations—including the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves—Durant’s next destination could significantly reshape the balance of power in the league.
For Durant, who turns 37 in September, this will mark yet another chapter in a storied career defined by unmatched scoring ability, postseason highs and lows, and high-profile franchise moves. After initially being dealt to the Phoenix Suns in a seismic midseason move from Brooklyn during the 2022–23 campaign, the expectation was that Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal could form a superteam capable of delivering a title to the desert. But things didn’t go as planned. A turbulent 2023–24 season filled with injuries, coaching turnover, and playoff disappointment left Phoenix questioning its top-heavy roster construction and overall trajectory. Now, just over a year later, the franchise is again ready to hit the reset button—and Durant appears to be the first domino.
League insiders suggest that Durant has been made aware of the Suns’ desire to move in a different direction and has not opposed the idea of being traded. With three years remaining on his current contract, Durant’s value remains extremely high, and Phoenix wants to capitalize before age and wear begin to erode the trade return. Teams across the league know this might be the last realistic chance to acquire Durant while he’s still capable of anchoring a championship-caliber roster.
The Miami Heat are emerging as one of the more aggressive suitors. After missing the playoffs in 2024 and watching their offense sputter without another elite shot creator alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Miami’s front office sees Durant as the missing piece. The Heat have a long-standing reputation for acquiring star talent, and Pat Riley is never shy when it comes to swinging for the fences. Miami can offer a compelling package built around Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., future picks, and potential salary fillers. The real question is whether the Suns would be interested in that return or prefer assets from teams with higher-value draft capital or younger blue-chip talent.
Enter the New York Knicks. Coming off a gritty playoff run that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, New York is a team on the cusp of contention. They’ve been stockpiling draft picks and cap flexibility for a moment exactly like this. Adding Durant—who infamously passed on the Knicks in free agency years ago—would not only give them a lethal offensive weapon but also send shockwaves throughout Madison Square Garden. A trade centered around RJ Barrett, multiple first-rounders, and perhaps Mitchell Robinson or Julius Randle would give the Suns a blend of win-now and future-focused assets. Durant in the Big Apple would be poetic and polarizing all at once, especially considering his past ties to Brooklyn.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are quietly becoming a dark-horse contender in the Durant sweepstakes. With one of the youngest cores in the league and a war chest of draft picks acquired from the James Harden trade, Houston has the ammunition to make a serious run. Under head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets showed major growth last season. Adding Durant to a group featuring Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. could immediately elevate them to Western Conference playoff contenders. The Rockets also possess Brooklyn’s future picks, which could be flipped back to the Suns in a poetic full-circle twist. While Durant might initially hesitate at the idea of joining a younger, less-proven team, Houston’s commitment to winning—and its cap space—could make the fit more viable than it appears.
The San Antonio Spurs present a different type of opportunity. Durant playing alongside generational rookie Victor Wembanyama would be a sight to behold, and the Spurs have both the cap flexibility and asset base to construct a trade that makes sense for all parties. Coach Gregg Popovich, still going strong, could be the ideal mentor for Durant as he enters the twilight of his career. San Antonio might be more cautious about sacrificing future assets too soon, but a pairing of Durant and Wemby would instantly catapult the Spurs from rebuild to relevance. If Durant is interested in a legacy move—helping to shepherd the development of a future megastar—San Antonio could be the surprise team that lands him.
Then there’s Minnesota. The Timberwolves were one of the breakout stories of last season, making a deep playoff run and showcasing the star power of Anthony Edwards. While the team has been cautious about breaking up its core, particularly with regard to Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, the allure of adding Durant could push them to reconsider. Edwards and Durant would be a nightmare duo for opposing defenses, combining youthful explosiveness with veteran precision. The Wolves would likely have to give up Towns to make the salaries work, but it’s a trade that might appeal to both sides. For Phoenix, Towns could provide a versatile offensive big who slots well next to Booker and Beal. For Minnesota, Durant could be the player who finally takes them from playoff team to championship threat.
The timeline for the trade is particularly noteworthy. With the draft looming on June 25th, urgency is mounting. Teams want clarity before using their picks or packaging them in a deal. Phoenix would prefer to make a move early, securing high draft capital in return and positioning themselves for either a quick retool or a more complete rebuild. League executives believe a deal could be agreed upon in the next 7–10 days, if not sooner. The final holdup may come down to Durant’s own preferences. While he does not possess a no-trade clause, it’s widely understood that his buy-in is critical. He’s not the type of star a team can afford to acquire unwillingly, especially with his influence on locker rooms and overall team culture.
Durant’s history suggests he thrives in situations where he can focus purely on basketball—free from drama, dysfunction, and discord. Wherever he lands next must offer a stable environment, a strong coaching staff, and a roster capable of winning now. He’s not looking to mentor or babysit; he’s looking to win. That narrows the field considerably, even among the current five teams in negotiations. Miami and New York may have the clearest paths to immediate contention, while Houston, San Antonio, and Minnesota represent varying levels of potential upside and long-term vision.
The implications of a Durant trade before the draft are massive. It could cause a ripple effect throughout the league, triggering additional trades and reshuffling power dynamics in both conferences. Teams that miss out on Durant may turn to Plan B options—perhaps targeting Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine, or even looking toward the draft to make a splash. Conversely, the team that lands Durant will instantly catapult itself into the conversation as a Finals contender, at least on paper. Chemistry and health will always play their roles, but acquiring a player of Durant’s caliber shifts the axis.
As the NBA enters the most chaotic stretch of its offseason calendar, all eyes are on Phoenix and its All-NBA forward. Kevin Durant’s time with the Suns appears to be nearing its end, and the only question remaining is where he’ll write his next chapter. Whether it’s South Beach, Broadway, H-Town, the Riverwalk, or the Twin Cities, one thing is certain: when Kevin Durant changes teams, the entire league feels it. By the time Adam Silver steps to the podium to announce the first pick on June 25th, we may already have our answer.
