Kevin Durant’s preferences shrink market, reducing trade leverage

Jun 21, 2025 5:14 PM

The Phoenix Suns have not been impressed by the trade proposals they’ve received for Kevin Durant, largely because the 36-year-old superstar has narrowed the list of teams he’s willing to join.

Durant has reportedly expressed a strong preference for landing with the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, or Miami Heat. At the same time, he has shown little enthusiasm for other interested teams, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“His trade value has taken a hit due to the fact that he’s controlling the narrative around his next destination,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst during Friday’s episode of NBA Today.

“He’s doing it quite deliberately. He’s made it crystal clear that he wants a say in where he finishes out his career. And by taking that stance, he’s driving down his own market value and attempting to steer his way to a specific landing spot. So far, that strategy has worked quite well.”

The Suns had initially hoped to finalize a deal before the NBA Draft, but with little movement, they may have to keep discussions open past the June 25 deadline.

Among Durant’s preferred teams, San Antonio is widely viewed as his top choice, although their level of interest in acquiring him has been relatively lukewarm.

The Rockets, meanwhile, appear divided internally about how much they’re willing to sacrifice to acquire him.

Ironically, the team that has reportedly put together the most appealing offer from Phoenix’s perspective, the Minnesota Timberwolves, is one Durant isn’t particularly interested in joining.

Durant is under contract through the 2025-26 season, with a $54.7 million salary on the books, and becomes eligible for an extension starting July 6.

He could opt to sign a two-year extension worth approximately $112 million, or wait six months to ink a deal that could pay up to $124 million.

Despite his age, Durant continues to play at an elite level, earning All-NBA honors and maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s premier scorers, making him a potential game-changer for any contender.