Kevin Durant's potential exit from the Phoenix Suns has sparked widespread speculation about where the 36-year-old superstar might land next. But one place that can be scratched off the list, at least according to former Golden State Warriors forward Matt Barnes, is Oklahoma City.
Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Barnes dismissed the idea of a Durant-Thunder reunion, citing the rise of OKC’s youth and the dangers of disrupting what they’ve built.
"Too young. Too young. Who would you give up to get a KD? Would you give up a young Jalen Williams? Would you give up a Chet, someone who has been huge for them offensively and defensively?"
"Dort has shown in these motherf***ers, he's already shown, but in these, with help, he's given Edwards hell. So, I mean, they have a lot of pieces, but I just don't think this team's too young to do any kind of adjustments."
It’s a fair point. The Thunder, who are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, are led by a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort all under 26.
Durant, while still elite, represents a short-term boost at best. OKC is playing the long game, and Barnes believes they’re far too close to something special to mortgage the future.
That sentiment mirrors what many league insiders believe. Durant is still producing at a high level, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, but he’s no longer the player a franchise should gut its youth movement for.
The Thunder have meticulously developed a versatile, defensively disciplined roster under head coach Mark Daigneault. Bringing Durant into that mix would require sacrificing at least one of their blue-chip prospects and possibly their cap flexibility going forward.
It’s not that Durant lacks suitors. The San Antonio Spurs reportedly have mutual interest in acquiring him and pairing him with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs own several valuable draft assets and have cap room, making them a realistic trade partner.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are also in the mix. The Sixers are monitoring Durant’s status while also eyeing Lauri Markkanen. The Heat have long been linked with Durant and could see him as the missing piece alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
The Houston Rockets remain another potential landing spot. They’ve been rebuilding aggressively and have assets galore. They’re also rumored to be hunting for a big-name star to accelerate their timeline, and Durant fits the bill.
Still, all these teams must confront the same dilemma: What’s the cost? Durant remains one of the game’s most talented offensive players, but at 36, acquiring him is more of a win-now gamble than a future-proof strategy. For OKC, which is already contending without him, the fit just doesn’t make sense.
As the Thunder continue their ascent, they don’t need nostalgia or headlines. They need patience, health, and cohesiveness, and they already have all three.
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