The Phoenix Suns are coming off a season in which they failed to even qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament, finishing the season with a 36-46 record and as the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. As a result, the Suns were quick to announce they were parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer.
That proved to be just the first move the Suns would make, as they announced that James Jones would be moving into a senior advisory role and installing Brian Gregory as the new general manager. He'll likely work closely with owner Mat Ishbia regarding an acceptable trade package for Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant, NBA Trade
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant drives to the hoop past Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
New favorite emerges in Kevin Durant sweepstakes after major report
Knowing he's likely going to be traded before the NBA Draft on June 25, a major report was unveiled regarding his preferred destinations, including the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
Many speculated that he would want to join the Timberwolves to team up with Anthony Edwards, but it's a different team that's currently atop the odds board to land Durant.
Bovada Sportsbook has the Heat pegged as +200 favorites with the Rockets close behind at +300 and the Timberwolves at +350.
This comes on the heels of the Orlando Magic trading four unprotected first-round picks, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. The Suns will likely use that trade as a benchmark when listening to offers for Durant.
If it's the Heat, the trade would likely feature center Kel'el Ware and/or Nikola Jovic. Ware was impressive in his rookie season. From January 1 through the end of the season, he averaged 11 points and nine rebounds. Given the Suns' need at the center position, Ware would step in right away.
The Houston Rockets present unique possibilities. They could feature the trade around Jalen Green, who underperformed in the NBA playoffs, or highlight Jabari Smith Jr., who still has untapped potential after being taken third overall in 2022.