The Miami Heat reportedly hold interest in Kevin Durant
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Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns.
As NBA teams circle, waiting for the Phoenix Suns to make a move, the Kevin Durant trade saga has quietly taken a sharp turn — and it’s pointing straight toward Texas.
While much of the conversation has centered around familiar names like the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and even a dark horse push from the Minnesota Timberwolves, new reporting from The Athletic says there’s one team Durant actually wants.
And it’s not any of those three.
Durant’s Eyes Reportedly on the Spurs
Out of all the suitors, the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly at the top of Kevin Durant’s list. According to league sources who spoke with The Athletic, Durant specifically wants to play in San Antonio — not just as a trade destination, but as the one team where he’d be willing to sign an extension after arrival.
That’s a massive distinction in today’s superstar trade landscape. If true, it gives San Antonio a huge edge over teams who might be rolling the dice on a one-year rental.
The Suns, meanwhile, are said to be cooperating with Durant and longtime agent Rich Kleiman as they weigh offers — and San Antonio is very much in the picture. But here’s the twist: despite being Durant’s top choice, the Spurs have reportedly been “conservative” in their pursuit so far, per The Athletic.
The question now is: will they make the move?
Spurs Could Be Durant’s Best Fit — If They Want It
The fit makes sense. Durant would join Victor Wembanyama, giving San Antonio one of the most intriguing superstar pairings in modern NBA memory. And the Spurs, with cap flexibility and young talent, could theoretically make a compelling offer that balances short-term competitiveness and long-term upside — which is exactly what the Suns are seeking in return.
Yet according to the report, San Antonio hasn’t been aggressive. The Rockets have reportedly made an underwhelming offer. The Heat lack strong win-now pieces. There’s an opening here. But only if the Spurs choose to act.
Durant has one year left on his deal. He turns 37 before next season. The Suns want a return that keeps them in the playoff mix. San Antonio has the tools. But this comes down to timing. And risk tolerance.
Timberwolves in the Mix — But Durant’s Not Interested
While Minnesota has re-entered the trade conversation, with names like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle being floated as part of a potential package, there’s a major roadblock: Durant reportedly doesn’t want to go.
“I’m told Kevin Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves,” said Shams Charania.
That’s a huge shift from February, when the Wolves believed Durant was open to the idea. And while the Suns would love to extract more value from Minnesota, they’re unlikely to deal Durant somewhere he flat-out refuses to extend. That gives the Spurs, Rockets, and Heat clear leverage — if they can make the right pitch.
The Waiting Game Continues
So far, no offer from the Spurs, Rockets, or Heat has moved the needle for Phoenix. Per The Athletic, the Suns are “trying to drum up better offers” — and willing to let this drag out to get what they want.
But the Spurs are now on the clock. If they truly are Durant’s preferred destination, and they don’t make a move, someone else will — or worse, Durant may end up in a situation he doesn’t want, and the Suns may settle for less than they could’ve gotten.
The Spurs have a rare window in front of them. A generational scorer. A 27-point-per-game weapon. A player who — for once — wants to come to San Antonio.
They’ve got the assets. They’ve got Wemby. And, reportedly, they’ve got Kevin Durant’s blessing.
The question isn’t if he wants the Spurs. It’s whether the Spurs are bold enough to say yes.