All eyes are on the continued saga between Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns as the NBA enters the offseason.
Phoenix is expected to move on from Durant this offseason as they look to rebuild their roster around Devin Booker after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
With Durant likely on the move, there have been several teams linked to the future Hall of Fame forward but three teams have emerged above the rest.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Durant’s preferred trade destinations are the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat.
Despite this, there have been many other teams linked to Durant, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, and another Western Conference contender was reported to join the sweepstakes on Wednesday.
According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Memphis Grizzlies have entered the Durant sweepstakes after trading away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magi as they plan to revisit their pursuit of the star forward.
Despite Sidery’s report, Grizzlies insider Damichael Cole later reported on Wednesday that Memphis is not interested in trading for Durant and that they do not intend to engage on a trade for the star forward this offseason.
This is a massive report by Cole as he completely shut down Sidery’s report and it also means one less team is now pursuing Durant.
Of course, the Grizzlies reportedly looked into a trade for Durant at the trade deadline but Phoenix ultimately elected to keep the future Hall of Famer on their roster.
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
While Memphis did have interest in Durant during the season, it appears they will look elsewhere to upgrade their roster around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. this summer.
Because of this, the Suns now have one less option to pull off a Durant trade and if teams continue to back out, they may be forced to lower their asking price if they want to move him this offseason.