The Phoenix Suns are actively attempting to steer Kevin Durant toward the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to NBA insider Sam Amick.
Speaking on Run It Back, Amick explained that the Suns prefer what Minnesota could offer in a trade, but Durant has yet to show interest in the Timberwolves.
“You can tell that Phoenix is almost trying to nudge him in that direction and compel him to add a fourth team to his list,” Amick said. “That to me is the interesting dynamic: does he change his stance on Minnesota?”
Durant, 36, is under contract for one more season at $54.7 million. While he previously expressed interest in joining San Antonio, the Spurs are reportedly unwilling to part with key young assets. Phoenix remains unimpressed with proposals from other suitors.
“They clearly don’t like what they’re hearing from San Antonio, Houston, and Miami,” Amick noted. “Kevin has made it clear… that he was really focused on the Spurs. They’re not showing a ton of incentive to get a deal done.”
The Suns, who finished 36–46 and missed the postseason, are evaluating multiple packages. Houston and Miami are said to be just one or two pieces away from meeting Phoenix’s threshold. However, Phoenix is holding firm on its demands and prioritizing established talent.
Despite the Rockets’ strong season, they share San Antonio’s hesitation.
“They’re a little bit like San Antonio,” Amick said of Houston. “Not in love with the timeline because of [Durant’s] age, and really not looking to give up too much of that young core to get him.”
Minnesota, meanwhile, remains the most complex variable. The Timberwolves are reportedly unwilling to engage without assurance that Durant would welcome the move.
“The Wolves are not going to play that game at all unless they are confident that Kevin wants to come,” Amick stated.
Uncertainty surrounding Durant’s preferences has left potential trade partners cautious. According to Amick, the fallout from Phoenix’s February approach still lingers. The franchise failed to coordinate closely with Durant and his camp during prior negotiations, which has complicated current talks.
“A team like the T-Wolves is confused because it’s like… you’re not really talking to Kevin, you don’t really actually know how he feels,” Amick said.
As the June 25 NBA Draft approaches, league executives expect discussions to accelerate. The Suns are unlikely to settle for a subpar return, but without Durant expanding his list of preferred destinations, options remain limited.
