Kevin Durant’s 6-Word Message After Major Grizzlies Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 9:38 PM ET

The NBA offseason is heating up and so far, no news item has resonated like Kevin Durant’s impending departure from the Phoenix Suns. With a 2024-25 season that saw Durant impress with 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, trade rumors surrounding the 15-time All-Star have dominated the summer conversation after the Suns failed to make the playoffs.

Multiple high-profile teams, including Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs, have been reported as serious contenders for Durant. But Memphis’ stunning trade on Sunday, which sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, immediately redirected the NBA world's attention.

Durant was among those fueling the social media buzz around this deal. On Monday, he reacted to the Magic’s video of Bane arriving in Orlando. Specifically, Durant reacted to the "dap" between Bane and Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley.

“They heard this dap in Memphis," Durant wrote on X.

They heard this dap in Memphis https://t.co/HBS3i1Xw8y
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 17, 2025

The Grizzlies were floated as a Durant suitor during the season. If Durant were to land in Memphis, he'd bring championship experience, elite perimeter scoring, and two-way versatility to pair with Ja Morant and a frontcourt centered on Jaren Jackson Jr.

His veteran experience and gravity on offense would help elevate Memphis in a stacked Western Conference. But with his massive contract ($54.7 million expiring) and Suns’ intent to maximize return, the Grizzlies would have to offer a compelling package, and likely part with some of what they received for Bane.

For now, the two-time Finals MVP remains a Sun, and is reacting to other moves around the league.

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

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