Even before the end of the 2024-25 NBA season for the disappointing Phoenix Suns (36-46), Kevin Durant's future with the team was a huge question mark. The two-time NBA champion is likely to play for his third team (the Brooklyn Nets and the Suns) after exiting the Golden State Warriors in 2019 free agency.
The 36-year-old averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 52.7% from the field, 43% from deep and 83.9% from the free-throw line in 62 games with the Suns.
Despite his age, the 2014 NBA MVP was linked with several teams in recent months, including the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and even the Los Angeles Clippers.
Contradicting reports suggest a Durant trade is close or far away from completion, but the superstar reportedly decided in which state he'd like to play next, having gone from Oklahoma to California to New York to Arizona.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (35).
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (35).
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Suns reporter John Gambadoro said, on the June 12 episode of the "Burns & Gambo" show (via @dru_star on X), that Durant would prefer for two specific teams that belong to the same state.
“My belief is that Kevin Durant, as I've reported before, Kevin Durant prefers the Spurs. And I also think he prefers the Rockets. I think if he could have his way, he'd want to go to Texas, to either San Antonio or Houston."
Gambodoro added that many teams would be willing to add Durant, even if it was for a one-season run.
"But there are other teams involved, and we've discussed the potential. He probably doesn't want to go to Toronto long-term. Would Toronto still trade for him on a one-year deal? There are several teams that would do that."
The Suns hit the reset button this offseason, firing another head coach after a single season (Frank Vogel in 2024 and Mike Budenholzer in 2025). They want to start fresh and Durant hasn't been part of their plans for a while now.