The Phoenix Suns are beginning their restructuring for the 2025-26 season, starting with the dismissal of coach Mike Budenholzer. A Kevin Durant trade seems to be the next likely step. At 37 years old and with one year left on his $54 million contract, Durant`s trade value is uncertain. It`s hard to compare his situation – a player of his caliber at this age and contract status being traded – to past scenarios. However, the Suns will aim to regain some of the draft assets they initially gave up to acquire him.
Many familiar teams will likely be mentioned as possible landing spots for Durant. The Miami Heat were reportedly close to a deal at the trade deadline in February, a move Durant was supposedly interested in, and Miami is expected to be interested again.
Houston is a logical option due to their ability to offer promising young players, such as Reed Sheppard or Cam Whitmore, without weakening their core roster. They could also return some draft picks to Phoenix, aiding a potential rebuild.
A reunion with the Golden State Warriors might be discussed, potentially involving Jonathan Kuminga, who has seen reduced playing time and will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.
The Dallas Mavericks, desperate to improve around Luka Dončić, and the New York Knicks, especially if they face an early playoff exit, will likely be in the conversation. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are also often linked to Durant in rumors.
However, focusing purely on basketball fit, several smaller-market teams could be intriguing destinations for Durant. These teams are close to contention and could offer appealing trade packages without sacrificing their long-term plans.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are a major small-market team to watch. While they might seem to have ample time to build a contender around Victor Wembanyama, their acquisition of De`Aaron Fox signaled their intent to compete sooner. Adding Durant would strongly emphasize this ambition.
The Spurs possess significant draft capital, making picks less of an issue. They could structure a trade using Devin Vassell, a valuable player, and Harrison Barnes, who could benefit a Phoenix team still aiming to win with Devin Booker.
Are the Spurs ready to accelerate their timeline? If so, Durant could transform them into immediate contenders, given their existing depth and remaining resources to potentially further strengthen the team.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pairing Anthony Edwards with Durant would make the Timberwolves instant title contenders, complementing their strong defense. While their offense is decent, Edwards is their only consistently reliable scorer in crucial moments. He needs another player who commands defensive attention (no disrespect to Julius Randle`s recent performance). If Randle performs well in the playoffs and the Timberwolves upset the Lakers, they might keep Randle. However, if not, they will likely seek significant upgrades.
Randle could be involved in a trade to match salaries, as his contract is expiring and wouldn`t burden Phoenix financially. Rudy Gobert might also be a trade option if the Suns want to pair Booker with a proven defender, while Minnesota could promote Naz Reid to center.
Minnesota lacks draft capital due to the Gobert trade, but Rob Dillingham, a recent high draft pick, offers scoring potential. Minnesota could assemble a competitive package around players like Randle or Gobert, and potentially Donte DiVincenzo or Jaden McDaniels, to pair with Booker and Bradley Beal in Phoenix.
3. Detroit Pistons
Detroit has significantly improved, achieving the largest win increase in NBA history year-over-year. They secured a playoff seed and possess a solid foundation, even if they don`t win their first-round series. Cade Cunningham is on track to become an All-NBA player, and a strong defensive identity is established. Adding Durant to play alongside Cunningham and Jalen Duren, while maintaining their supporting cast, could propel the Pistons to another major leap next season.
The Pistons could offer an attractive trade package without jeopardizing their core. They control all their first-round picks beyond 2025 and have promising young players like Jaden Ivey (possibly expendable due to team performance during his injury), Ron Holland, and Ausar Thompson (though less likely to be traded).
4. Orlando Magic
Orlando boasts an elite defense but struggles to score. Durant would address this weakness and enhance their already lengthy roster, fitting well with the timeline of young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
A trio of Durant, Banchero, and Wagner could create a team capable of reaching the conference finals, with potential for more in the near future. Orlando owns all their future picks plus a Denver first-rounder this year. They could offer Jalen Suggs or Jonathan Isaac as young, high-potential assets to match salaries for Phoenix.
Orlando, without a playoff series win in 15 years, is ready to advance. While they could aim for a point guard, the window for an emerging team can close quickly. The next team on this list might understand this situation.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Similar to LeBron James returning to Cleveland, could Durant return to OKC to deliver their first championship? This depends heavily on the Thunder`s playoff performance. If they win the title this season, there`s no reason to disrupt their current successful formula for Durant, who might also be hesitant to return after their potential success without him.
However, if the Thunder underperform in the playoffs, a Durant-OKC reunion becomes a possibility. They would be in title contention and possess significant trade assets. A trade involving Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, for instance, could work financially.
Jasper Hawthorne