Wolves won’t include Jaden McDaniels in Kevin Durant talks

Jun 15, 2025 3:29 PM

The Phoenix Suns are actively engaged in trade discussions involving star forward Kevin Durant, as they explore potential pathways to reshape their roster.

Multiple teams have entered the conversation, and Durant has reportedly provided the Suns with a list of preferred destinations.

Among the teams Durant is open to joining are the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat, signaling his willingness to join young, up-and-coming teams or franchises with strong competitive outlooks.

One of the more serious suitors, the Minnesota Timberwolves, have shown interest in acquiring Durant, though negotiations are still in a preliminary phase.

According to sources, the Timberwolves are currently reluctant to include promising young forward Jaden McDaniels in any deal.

As a result, Minnesota would likely need to center a trade package around one of its high-salary veterans, either center Rudy Gobert or forward Julius Randle, to match Durant’s salary under NBA trade rules.

If Gobert or Randle were to be included, additional assets would likely be necessary to satisfy Phoenix’s asking price.

Players such as Donte DiVincenzo, or a collection of Minnesota’s younger players and draft picks, may need to be added to sweeten the offer and balance both talent and financial value.

However, including Randle in any such deal adds a layer of complexity. Randle holds a $30.9 million player option for the 2025–26 season. For Minnesota to trade him at that salary, he would need to exercise his option before a trade is completed.

If Randle declines his option and instead becomes a free agent, the only way for Phoenix to acquire him would be via a sign-and-trade, an option that is currently off the table for the Suns.

Phoenix is operating above the NBA’s second tax apron, which imposes significant restrictions on roster movement. Among those restrictions is a prohibition on acquiring players through sign-and-trade deals.

This financial limitation makes any deal involving Randle far more complicated unless he opts into the final year of his contract before being traded.

With multiple teams involved and significant logistical hurdles to navigate, the Kevin Durant trade saga remains fluid. However, it’s clear that Phoenix is seriously evaluating its options, and Durant is open to a fresh start elsewhere.