Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Suns Seeking Three First-Round Picks and Young Player in Return

The NBA season is still ongoing, but speculation is already swirling about the potential end of Kevin Durant’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns.

Despite high expectations, the Suns have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments this season, posting a lackluster 30-34 record and trailing the final play-in spot in the Western Conference by 1.5 games. Unlike previous years, injuries haven’t been the primary issue. Instead, the team’s struggles stem from an imbalanced roster where Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal consume most of the payroll, leaving little flexibility for depth.

Phoenix attempted to make a splash at the trade deadline, aggressively pursuing Jimmy Butler. However, their efforts stalled due to Beal’s no-trade clause and the Miami Heat’s unwillingness to take on his massive contract. Additionally, there were reports that the Suns explored trading Durant to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Butler, but Durant shut down the possibility when he learned his name was being discussed in trade talks.

Following the deadline, Durant addressed the rumors on Draymond Green’s podcast, stating, “It just doesn’t make sense for either side to go through that when we could just play the season out and if that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason then you figure it out.”

Despite Durant’s reluctance to be traded midseason, speculation about his future in Phoenix has continued. According to The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, Durant was “upset” that the Suns included him in trade discussions and may not remain with the team beyond this season. Should Phoenix decide to part ways with Durant—who is set to earn $54.7 million next season—the organization would reportedly seek a return package featuring three first-round picks and a promising young player.

The Suns’ likely goal would be to restructure the team around Booker, who has been with the franchise since being drafted 13th overall in 2015. If Durant becomes available this offseason, there will be no shortage of teams eager to acquire the 36-year-old star. The Minnesota Timberwolves have long been rumored to have interest in Durant, with Anthony Edwards publicly admiring him. The Houston Rockets also have the necessary assets to facilitate a trade, while the Dallas Mavericks were once viewed as a potential landing spot, though Marc Stein reports their interest may have been overstated.

While it’s uncertain which teams will emerge as serious contenders for Durant this summer, there will undoubtedly be strong competition for his services. However, moving Durant alone won’t resolve all of Phoenix’s roster challenges. If the Suns truly aim to reset, trading Beal as well would be a logical step. Offloading both Durant and Beal would significantly improve their financial flexibility, allowing them to build a more balanced team around Booker, who remains in his prime at 28 and continues to perform at an All-Star level.