Heading into the 2025 NBA offseason, it's hard to imagine that Kevin Durant will remain with the Phoenix Suns. After the team reportedly took calls on him before the trade deadline, any relationship between superstar and franchise is broken, and he will be the biggest name to watch this summer.
The Suns have finally found themselves in the NBA Play-In picture, but even if they make the postseason they will have a first-round date with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will likely all but end their season.
At least it will be quick and painless.
The Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and even New Orleans Pelicans have all been floated as possible landing spots for Durant.
Unlike teammate Bradley Beal, Durant doesn't have a no-trade clause, but with only one season left on his contract, he could force his way to whichever team he prefers.
One veteran writer thinks Durant values one team above all the others.
"It's no secret that Phoenix will split with Kevin Durant this summer," outlined Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix. "Durant has one year left on his contract and even approaching 37 still has incredibly high value. I think-and this is just my opinion-that Durant wants to wind up in Houston. I think if the Rockets wanted Durant before the trade deadline, it would have happened. Durant has a lot of respect for Ime Udoka and in Houston he could be a missing piece to a title contender. I'd keep an eye on that after this season."
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Between Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whimore, and Reed Sheppard, the Rockets have plenty of young talent, and Durant's playstyle would fit in well. Houston has the means to trade for him as well.
The Rockets have long been listed as the most likely landing spot, and sometimes shocking results simply don't happen. It makes sense that Houston is the favorite to land KD from the Suns.
Check out the Inside the Suns homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM.
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