Dec 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets Among Wild-Card Teams in Kevin Durant trade

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 1:54 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns finally made the move to trade Kevin Durant on Sunday, mere hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The NBA's 8th all-time leading scorer was sent to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick, and five second-round picks.

Houston was always one of the main contenders for a Durant trade and was one of his preferred teams, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. However, a few surprise teams emerged in the final days.

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that the Denver Nuggets were one of the many teams that tried to trade for the 15-time All-Star.

"The Suns engaged in serious talks to move Durant this week, primarily focused on the Heat, Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, sources said. Several other wild-card suitors emerged as well -- including the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, sources said.

"But with Durant on an expiring, $54.7 million contract and eligible for a new two-year extension after the trade, the league's market for him clearly showed his ability to dictate whether he wanted to play for a franchise long term."

Full ESPN story on the Houston Rockets acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade that sends Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft and five second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns: https://t.co/t5p6xfbgqk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

A potential Nuggets offer wasn't revealed, but Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji's combined salaries still wouldn't have been enough to reach Durant's $54 million. Denver likely would've had to get a third team involved to offload more salary.

Denver also doesn't have much draft capital to play with. They have their first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2031, but given the financial situation the team is in, they may prefer to keep some of those picks.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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