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Blockbuster Trade Idea Sends Kevin Durant Back to Texas for 2 Firsts, $135 Million Wing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Dible | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 6:23 AM ET

The Phoenix Suns gave up a king's ransom to secure Kevin Durant in trade from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023.

This summer, they are almost certain to deal the 36-year-old superstar away, though not for anything close to what they paid.

That said, Durant still carries significant value, even despite his age and the Suns' relative lack of leverage given their current salary cap situation and the fact that the team failed to make the NBA's play-in tournament in the Western Conference despite spending so much on personnel.

Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe discussed trade scenarios for Durant on the Thursday, June 12 edition of "The Bill Simmons Podcast." During the conversation, Simmons was adamant Durant will ultimately end up with the San Antonio Spurs in 2025-26, and he also put together a trade package to get the deal done.

"I think Durant's going to the Spurs," Simmons said. "Would you take [Devin] Vassell, No. 14, Harrison Barnes' expiring [contract] and a good first [round pick]?"

"Yes, I would," Lowe responded, before adding that he doesn't believe the Spurs will include Vassell in any trade package.

"[Durant] should go to the Spurs. That's how it's gonna play out," Simmons continued. "Here's the case for the Spurs: He went to the University of Texas, he loves Texas, he talks about it all the time. He's always respected the Spurs. He'll be the respected veteran on that team. People in Texas like him."

Vassell is a versatile wing who plays the shooting guard and small forward positions. He will play next season at 25 years old, which will be his sixth season in the NBA after San Antonio selected him No. 11 overall out of Florida State in 2020.

Vassell recently inked a five-year extension worth $135 million. Harrison Barnes will make $19 million next season in the final year of his contract, which makes him a viable trade piece for Phoenix ahead of the mid-season deadline and allows the franchise to clear that money off of the books for 2026-27.

The Spurs own several future first-round picks, both their own and others acquired in previous trades. The team also has the rights to the Nos. 2 and 14 selections in 2025.

Durant will play next year at 37 years old. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists across 62 games played last season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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