Kevin Durant getting traded this offseason is not a question of if, but when. After a disastrous season in 2024-25, the Phoenix Suns are ready to slash payroll. And the future Hall of Famer has been linked to various trade rumors for weeks.
On Friday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that a potential trade could be coming very soon. As well as three teams that are the current front-runners to complete a deal. With that in mind, we look at the five teams most linked to a Kevin Durant trade and rank who is most likely to win the sweepstakes this offseason.
1. Houston Rockets
kevin durant
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Phoenix is allowing Durant to have a say in his next team. So the 36-year-old is sure to pick a franchise where he could have an immediate chance at a title run in 2025-26. That is why the Houston Rockets have to be seen as the favorites in the KD sweepstakes. They have the trade chips to make a deal happen, and Durant immediately gives them what they lacked in this year’s playoffs: An elite go-to scorer.
Kevin Durant stats (2024-25): 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 43%
2. Miami Heat
Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat have been linked to a Kevin Durant trade for years. And that has not changed in 2025 with the 15-time MVP again up for grabs. Of the various contenders, the Heat’s likely trade package is one of the least enticing. Especially if Tyler Herro is not included in the deal. However, while they may not have the best overall offer, playing for a top-notch organization like the Heat and a season in South Beach will certainly appeal to the NBA legend.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
kevin durant
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the more fascinating suitors in the Durant sweepstakes. The franchise has made the West Finals in back-to-back seasons. However, pairing superstar Anthony Edwards with either Karl-Anthony Towns or Julius Randle wasn’t enough. Having a pair of elite wing scorers, in the front office’s mind, seems to be a better option next season.
The big questions are, does Durant want to play a season in Minnesota? And is he fine with playing second fiddle to Edwards? That is why the Wolves aren’t the strongest contender in the chase.
Kevin Durant contract: One year, $54.7 million
4. New York Knicks
New York Knicks
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Despite rumors that the New York Knicks might be cooling off on a Durant trade, they still can’t be underestimated. Playing a season in Gotham for a title contender will appeal to any superstar. And the combo of Durant (if healthy) and Brunson could be dynamite next season. If not for the recent rumors, the Knicks would be the top contender to make a trade.
5. San Antonio Spurs
san antonio spurs
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Similar to the Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs have the most to offer in a Durant trade. And the idea of the NBA legend being paired with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox should horrify Western Conference rivals. However, recent reports have suggested that if the Spurs make a big deal this summer, they would rather go after Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown.
They have a very nice young core led by the last two Rookie of the Year winners and Fox. While they can make a trade for Durant, such a move has never been San Antonio’s style.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos