Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t just intrigued by the idea of adding 36-year-old 10x NBA All-Pro, Kevin Durant, to their 2025-26 roster. It appears president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and those in the Wolves front office are downright determined to make a KD trade happen… even if Durant is against it.
At this point, everyone who doesn’t have their head stuck in the NBA offseason sand is well aware of the fact that Minnesota is chasing Durant. Most also know that the biggest hold-up in completing a KD to MN deal is his disinterest in playing for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves at the Kevin Durant trade talk finish line…
So now, Tim Connelly has a decision to make, and it isn’t an easy one. According to Brian Windhorst (ESPN), Minnesota is essentially standing at the finish line of these Kevin Durant trade talks with the Phoenix Suns.
The pieces are seemingly in place. All the Timberwolves and their PoBO have to do to complete this deal is to proverbially pull the trigger and start drawing up paperwork. Of course, Durant’s public mission to avoid Minnesota has Connelly thinking twice before making a trade official.
On today's Hoops Collective podcast: @WindhorstESPN seems to believe the Timberwolves are standing at the Kevin Durant trade finish line trying to decide if they want to cross.
"My feel is if the Timberwolves wanted it, they could probably get a trade for Durant done." pic.twitter.com/ZmdpXf2M1Q
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 18, 2025
“The Minnesota Timberwolves have a very interesting situation sitting in their laps. I’m not saying anything definitive. To be clear, I’m not reporting this. But my feel is that if the Timberwolves wanted it, they could probably get a trade for Durant done.
The question is, and Durant has made it very clear that he [does not have] the Wolves on his [preferred teams] list. There’s practically been posted on social media. It’s been posted on social media by Shams essentially, but it might as well then post on social media by Durant. If you’re Minnesota, do you trade for a player who doesn’t want to be there, who very clearly doesn’t want to be there?”
Brian Windhorst – The Hoop Collective Podcast (ESPN)
Durant trade to Minnesota would come with hefty extension tax…
So, what is a President of Basketball Operations to do, when pinned into a corner like Tim Connelly seems to be? Well, promising KD a $120 million extension would be quite the sweetner that Windy believes could soften Kevin Durant’s stance on playing for the Timberwolves.
According to the longtime NBA insider, a KD trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves would likely include a fresh two-year max extension, which would be $60 million per year through Durant’s 40th birthday.
It’s a similar situation to what the Golden State Warriors dealt with at the trade deadline, when Jimmy Butler made it clear he did not want to play there. They did a backdoor contract extension for over $100 million, and suddenly Jimmy was a happy camper when he arrived out west.
If the Wolves are going to pull the trigger on a Durant trade, Windy believes making him happy will include a 2 yr, $120 million extension (through age 40), something he and his cohorts aren't sure is good decision for MN… pic.twitter.com/8vQNuyGExy
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 18, 2025
“If you’re going to trade for him and you want him to be invested, you’re probably going to have to say, I mean, what you’re saying probably is, Kevin, come and we’re going to give you two years, $120 million additionally.”
“Durant, that’s what you’re essentially going to do if you’re Minnesota, you’re going to say, ‘Kevin, come here, play with an Edwards. You know we have this plan. And here’s also, you know, a promise of a two year extension.’ That’s what all he can do — two years, $100 million.”
Brian Windhorst – The Hoop Collective Podcast (ESPN)
If the Wolves decide to complete this deal for Kevin Durant, it’s likely they’d have to do the same. Would that be worth it? Those on the Hoop Collective Podcast are skeptical.
Related: Kevin Durant Trade Expected to Happen Sooner Than Later
In fact, Windy, Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon all agree that the Minnesota Timberwolves should pass on KD, instead choosing more of a long-term vision built behind Anthony Edwards. Will Connelly take his fellow Tims’ advice? We’ll likely find out in short order.
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