It’s becoming increasingly clear that Kevin Durant will be playing for another team next season, as another NBA insider has reported that the Phoenix Suns will trade Durant this summer.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, there will be “real changes” to the Suns roster this summer and “that likely starts with Kevin Durant.”
This report comes just says after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that all parties are “crystal clear” on Durant getting traded to a contender this summer.
Charania added during a Sunday appearance that the Suns and Durant will work together on a trade to a contender and that nearly half a dozen teams could get in the mix.
“I would expect 4-6 contending teams with some serious involvement in Durant," added Charania.
Reporting for ESPN NBA Countdown on the Suns, Kevin Durant and what's at stake: pic.twitter.com/69UeeowSOP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2025
At 36, Durant is still one of the league’s premier players. He is averaging 26.7 points on 53% shooting, 6 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season. He will enter the final season of a four-year, $194 million contract next season and will be eligible to sign an extension this summer. That gives him leverage in potential trade talks and the chance to potentially choose his next destination.
The Miami Heat should be one of the teams that call Phoenix about Durant. He would give the Heat their best no. 1 scoring option since LeBron James left in 2014.
The Heat and Suns reportedly discussed a potential Durant deal before last month’s deadline but talks never progressed because the Heat and Suns were far apart on a deal. But if Durant decides he wants to end his career in Miami, he could steer himself in that direction.