As the NBA heads into the offseason, everyone has their eyes on the Phoenix Suns, and more specifically, their star forward Kevin Durant.
Durant is expected to be traded by the Suns this offseason and recent reports suggest that a trade could take place before the 2025 NBA Draft as Phoenix looks to add another first-round pick.
Of course, there have been many teams linked to Durant heading into the offseason but three teams have emerged as frontrunners to land him after a recent report.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are Durant’s preferred landing spots in a potential trade.
One team that was not named in this report was the New York Knicks despite them being linked to the future Hall of Famer.
New York has been named in trade rumors for Durant but it is clear that they have their minds made up about a potential trade, though Durant also had a strong opinion about it.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Durant wanted to be traded to the Knicks this summer but New York has no interest in acquiring him.
“KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in,” Spears said.
This is not a major surprise on the Knicks’ side as they are focused on finding a new head coach and likely upgrading their bench in the offseason while keeping the main pieces of their core together.
Despite this, Durant reportedly wanted to join the Knicks this summer via trade to help them chase a championship next season, but that is now unlikely to happen with New York having no interest in him.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Because of this, Durant’s focus will now likely remain on the three teams Charania listed in his report, though the Suns can trade Durant anywhere they want to acquire the largest trade package possible to kickstart their rebuild.