As the NBA enters the offseason, the key headline thus far has been which team Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant will be traded to.
Of course, the Suns are expected to move on from Durant this offseason as they try to retool their roster around Devin Booker after failing to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
With Durant likely on the move, there have been many teams who have reportedly shown interest in the future Hall of Famer, though three teams have stood out thus far.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Durant’s preferred landing spots are the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Houston Rockets.
One team not mentioned on this list is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have reportedly been the most aggressive team in trade talks as they try to pair Durant alongside Anthony Edwards.
It was reported earlier in the week that Durant does not want to be traded to the Timberwolves and a report on Wednesday backed this.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
According to Action Network’s Matt Moore, Durant shot down a three-team trade that would have sent him to Minnesota and also included the Brooklyn Nets.
“League sources have said the Nets were brought in as a potential third team in a deal construct, which would have helped move money and contracts to help both teams reshape their rosters,” Moore Wrote. “(No idea what they were getting or sending, but I would speculatively bet Nic Claxton to Phoenix was part of those talks.) But then KD did what it is his right, and sent out word that he doesn’t want to play there.”
This is a massive report by Moore and one that is concerning for the Suns as it appears they are letting Durant have a say in who his next team will be.
Because of this, the Suns may lose leverage in trade talks, especially with the three teams Charania mentioned in his report and specifically the Spurs, who have emerged as Durant’s preferred destination.
Due to this, the Suns may not receive anywhere close to their original asking price for Durant, which would have a major impact on their rebuild.