Despite a star-studded roster, the Phoenix Suns are on track to not even make it into the Play-In Tournament this spring. All signs point to a Phoenix retooling their roster this summer. The Suns tried to shop Kevin Durant prior to the deadline in February, but given his sky-high asking price, nothing materialized. Although Phoenix couldn't find a trade partner mid-season, the Phoenix front office has not given up on ending the KD era sooner rather than later:
"They're gonna trade [KD], and he knows that." 😳 @WindhorstESPN and @KendrickPerkins on what will happen with Kevin Durant and the Suns this offseason. pic.twitter.com/B985Mq41Hv
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 26, 2025
Unlike most trades in the NBA, both parties are in agreement about a divorce. Kevin Durant understands the Sun's motivations, but still wants the trade to be on his own terms:
“I didn’t want to move and I get why you want to trade me, simple fact that’s business but for me looking at it… we can play the season out and if that's the decision you want to make in the off-season then we figure it out”@KDtrey5 explains why he vetoed the Suns-Warriors… pic.twitter.com/1Gfa3uJKZN
— The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) February 26, 2025
That said, not many teams are in a position to trade for the 36 year old who boasts a $50 million salary. Let's break down the teams that can offer the best trade package for the Suns, while also satisfying KD's championship aspirations.
3) Houston Rockets
A few weeks ago, the Houston Rockets were 2nd in the Western Conference, looking like one of the most promising young rosters in the league. Today, tehey have slid back to fifth place, a seeding that is far more indicative of their true capabilities.
Although the Rockets are talented, they lack a true superstar to get them over the hump and mentor their plethora of young talent. Kevin Durant can be that guy.
KD's fit in this scheme would be seamless. With a gritty, young defense and Green and Sengun to supplement the rest of the scoring load, Durant could focus on what he does best: putting the ball in the hoop.
For the Suns, Houston offers the best return possible. They are likely looking for pieces to retool, rather than completely rebuild and start from scratch. Houston has so much young talent that they can barely play all of them, and Suns can give those guys a chance to fully reach their potential.
Financially, Fred VanVleet would have to be involved to match contracts. But after that, the Suns could realistically ask for Jabari Smith Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, or Reed Sheppard. Amen Thompson would be the most exciting piece, but the Rockets would be reluctant to give up their budding defensive-anchor.
2) Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Durant left the Warriors in 2019 to pair up with Kyrie Irving, and nobody should be surprised if they would be looking to team up again. After trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks are short on shot creators beyond Kyrie Irving. Durant would add another hall-of-fame level scorer.
With plenty of defensive talent, KD would have a similarly seamless fit in Dallas as he would in Houston. The move would also perfectly round out the Mavericks roster, as they already boast an elite point guard (Kyrie Irving) and big (Anthony Davis).
By trading away a 26-year-old Luka Doncic to pair a 31-year-old Anthony Davis with an aging Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks championship window is short. They are in a prime position to push in all their chips sooner rather than later.
Given the urgency in Dallas, they should be willing to give up multiple first-round picks and several young talents to Phoenix. Beyond that, Dallas would likely have to give up a combination of P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and pull in another team to the trade. Although the return isn't as exciting as one from the Rockets, the Suns could load up on future assets while still acquiring some win-now players.
1) Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards has professed that Kevin Durant is his favorite player of all-time, and KD has returned high praise for Minnesota's franchise player. With the Timberwolves struggling to find success after dealing KAT to the Knicks, they will certainly be looking to regain some offensive firepower this off-season.
There were reports that they tried to trade for him over the deadline, but like many other teams, they couldn't find a deal that satisfied both parties. Given the Suns' newfound desperation, it will be easier for the two teams to land on a satisfactory swap.
To match the contracts, Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle will likely have to be involved. Although those names not be exciting for the Suns in the long-term, Minnesota is jam-packed with exciting young pieces.
Grabbing one of Jaylen Clark, Rob Dillingham, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Terrance Shannon Jr. would be promising for Phoenix, while Naz Reid or Donte DiVincenzo could be the cherry on top. Minnesota will be reluctant to give up too much young talent, but they have enough of those guys to find a compromiss with Phoenix.