You know a storm’s brewing in the NBA when Kevin Durant trade rumors start flying faster than J.R. Smith forgetting the score in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals. And right now, we’re right in the eye of that hurricane. With Phoenix ready to move on from KD’s mammoth $54 million contract and Durant already sending his wish list of teams, things are getting messier than a Draymond Green podcast after a bad game.
So, what’s the latest? According to Shams Charania, Kevin Durant wants to take his talents to either the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, or Miami Heat. These are the three franchises he’s open to signing an extension with—and that’s where this whole saga takes a sharp turn.
Because guess what? The Phoenix Suns don’t want to be taken for a ride. They’re trying to do business, not charity. And the offers from Durant’s preferred teams? Apparently, not up to the Suns’ standards.
Here’s where Rachel Nichols comes in with the flamethrower take. Speaking on The Herd, she broke it down like a seasoned GM playing 4D chess: “It really depends on who wants to pay him, because he’s due for an extension. So he’s given them a list of preferred teams, reportedly… That being said, could someone offer them a better deal if KD isn’t going to re-sign with them? If he’s not going to sign that extension, how much do you want to give up? So that’s really the fulcrum that this is depending on…”
She’s right. Durant has basically turned this into a two-level chess match—on one hand, Phoenix is desperate for assets. On the other hand, teams don’t want to tear their rosters apart for a rental. But what makes things extra spicy is that Durant’s shortlist is out in the open. Now those three teams are thinking, “Wait, if he wants to come here… why should we overpay?”
Mar 9, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
According to Burns & Gambo’s John Gambadoro, if the Heat, Rockets, and Spurs don’t come correct with their packages, the Suns are ready to hang up and walk away. That opens the door for wildcards—Clippers, Raptors, Timberwolves—to roll the dice. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good unexpected blockbuster?
Let’s start with Houston. The Rockets are already the Western Conference’s version of that friend who got a glow-up over the summer. From a 20-win team to a 52-win monster, they’re on the rise faster than Giannis at the rim. They’ve got Alperen Sengun running point-center like he’s Nikola Jokic’s distant cousin, Fred VanVleet guiding the squad, and a ton of gritty, two-way talent.
Durant joining this mix? That’s like adding prime Ray Allen to the 2008 Celtics. The one issue? Chemistry. Do you mess with the formula just to chase glory, or do you build slow and steady? Also, Houston holds a few of Phoenix’s future picks, making them a team the Suns would want to talk to—assuming they’re willing to return those picks like a borrowed umbrella.
San Antonio Spurs: Durant & Wemby, The Slim Reapers?
Now, if the basketball gods are feeling chaotic-good, Kevin Durant could be teamed up with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Yes, imagine 14 feet of wingspan doom coming at you from both ends. It’s the type of combo that would send shivers down Nikola Jokic’s spine on a Tuesday in February.
The Spurs also have draft capital galore and just enough cap flexibility to throw in a solid package. As Rachel hinted, the whole thing hinges on whether KD wants to sign an extension. And the Spurs? They’re one De’Aaron Fox trade away from building a modern-day Big Three. That is, if Wemby’s blood clot recovery doesn’t throw a wrench into the machine. But assuming he’s healthy? Good luck scoring on that frontcourt.
Durant heading to Miami feels like an old boss returning to his hometown. The Heat have culture, weather, and no state income tax. That’s a Hall of Fame triple threat right there. But on the basketball side? They’ve been treading water for too long. A 37-45 finish and a brutal playoff exit later, it’s obvious the non-Jimmy Butler era is not going well, to put it mildly.
KD would instantly upgrade the offense, free up Tyler Herro for some clean threes, and give Bam Adebayo an actual co-star. The Heat also have a track record of turning elite talent into legit Finals runs—see: 2020, bubble edition. The challenge? Miami’s front office doesn’t usually overpay for stars. They’ve had chances before and passed. Will they go all-in this time, knowing Durant is already holding the door open?
Feb 20, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) enters the game during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Let’s not ignore the outsiders circling like hungry wolves. The Clippers, now minus Paul George, are exploring a possible Durant-Leonard-Harden triangle. That could either be an elite squad or the NBA’s next drama reality show. Toronto? We’ve seen this movie before—Masai Ujiri trades for a disgruntled superstar, wins the chip, everyone dances. Worked with Kawhi. Why not try again?
But here’s the deal: KD wants that new contract, and he has his preferences. We’re talking two years, over $100 million. So teams need to be confident he’ll stay longer than one playoff run. Otherwise, it’s a rental more dangerous than the ones in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Kevin Durant is definitely getting traded. The Phoenix Suns need to reset, and KD’s got no intention of sticking around for another “super team that barely makes it past April” situation. But with politics, extensions, and wildcard suitors all in play, this won’t be simple.
So keep your Woj b— loaded, your trade machines warm, and your popcorn ready. Because this saga? It’s only just getting started. And if you’re one of those teams on KD’s wish list? Time to ante up—or watch someone else walk away with the prize.
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