Phoenix Suns All-Star forward Kevin Durant is rumored to be traded within the coming weeks.
As of Tuesday, the 36-year-old has three preferred destinations: the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The Spurs and Rockets hold a large amount of assets, including draft picks and young talent, but there is potential that the Heat will make a move for Durant because he has previously praised long-time head coach Eric Spoelstra.
“I think Coach Spoelstra is definitely underrated,” Durant said during a 2017 episode of the “Bill Simmons Podcast.” “He’s been one of the best coaches for the last six years.”
Durant’s comment came as he explained how Spoelstra's systems benefit former Heat forward LeBron James, who spent four seasons in Miami from 2010-14.
“I think he put a system in place,” Durant added. “Like LeBron play off the ball a lot in Miami and he had the ball a lot too.”
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) is expected to be traded this offseason.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) is expected to be traded this offseason.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Durant noted that throughout James' tenure in Miami, he was able to create good shots from outside the arc and inside the paint, thanks to Spoelstra’s system.
“I think that helped him as far as keeping his body intact, and he does a great job with that anyway,” Durant continued.
Furthermore, Durant worked with the Heat coach during the 2024 Summer Olympics with Team USA, where Spoelstra was an assistant coach under Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. If Miami were to trade for Durant, it would team up the 15-time All-Star with another pair of All-Stars, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Meanwhile, the Suns would receive draft picks and depth in return to help rebuild their roster.