A new NBA rumor suggests the Phoenix Suns will have to lower their asking price if they want to trade Kevin Durant soon. And that is good news for the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.
There is no bigger story in the league right now than the future of future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. While the 15-time All-Star is still playing at a high level, he was part of a Suns team that was one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments in 2024-25. To get on a better financial footing, Phoenix must slash a bunch of payroll, and that starts by moving Durant.
Phoenix has been in trade discussions the last couple of weeks with little real progress. On Tuesday, the Arizona Republic revealed that sources informed them the Suns’ current asking price on Durant is the biggest hurdle in getting a deal done. And they may soon have to lower it if they want to get a deal done before the draft.
“The Suns have ‘no leverage’ in part because of Durant’s age. And because he wants to start fresh elsewhere,” league sources told the Arizona Republic. “The idea of Durant returning to a team that entertained deals for him before the 2025 trade deadline isn’t a pleasant one. So, a team can wait and see if Phoenix asks for less in a trade. The Suns also would like to get this done before the June 25-26 NBA draft because picks are expected to be part of any deal.”
How does a lower trade asking price help the New York Knicks and Miami Heat?
new york knicks
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Heading into June, the New York Knicks were seen as a likely suitor for Durant. Especially since they discussed a potential trade for the NBA legend back in February. However, recent reports have suggested the team is no longer interested in a deal. That may be due to rumors that the Suns aren’t thrilled with a deal centered on receiving Karl-Anthony Towns.
Phoenix wants to contend for a playoff spot next season. If the offers from teams like the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs continue to be underwhelming, the Suns could change their opinions on KAT being the centerpiece of a deal. New York doesn’t need Durant, but they clearly would like him. It puts them in a better position if they want to acquire his services for a price they are more comfortable with.
The Heat is the team that benefits the most from a lower Kevin Durant trade price. Miami has wanted him for several years, and recent reports state he wants Miami. However, of the potential trade packages, they have the weakest offer. If they don’t include All-Star Tyler Herro in the deal.
If the Rockets and Spurs continue to try and wait the Suns out, the Heat could be bold and add Kel’el Ware to a potential trade. The big man is rumored to be one of the players Phoenix wants most in a potential swap. The lowered price is great news for Miami.
Kevin Durant trade expected to bring lesser return than Desmond Bane
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos