Some NBA teams are reportedly interested in trading for Kevin Durant not for his on-court impact, but to boost jersey sales and capitalize on his star power.
Multiple teams are reportedly interested in trading for Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin Durant this summer—but not necessarily for basketball reasons.
Free throws this season
Phoenix Suns
NBA
According to one NBA scout, the motivation behind the interest isn't Durant's on-court production, but rather his marketability. At 36 years old and approaching 37, KD's value as a player may not match his commercial appeal.
"Most teams that want him are teams that just want to sell some jerseys," an anonymous scout told Hoops Wire. "At this stage of the game, though, he's 36, 37 years old, I don't see a real benefit in giving up much for him. He's not leading anyone to the promised land anymore.
"A team could take him as a rental to move merchandise for a year, and that's not a terrible idea," the court added. "Just don't mortgage the future. Anyone from that 35-and-over crowd isn't worth it these days. Kevin Durant is part of that crowd now."
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Durant reportedly has the San Antonio Spurs at the top of his preferred destinations, but trade discussions between the Suns and Spurs have stalled in recent days.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are currently more realistic trade destinations than San Antonio.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star, 2014 NBA MVP, and four-time scoring champion, is entering the final year of his contract in the 2025–26 season.
Despite his age, he remains highly productive, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this past season.
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