Kevin Durant’s Departure From Suns Is Practically Sealed

Kevin Durant’s time with the Phoenix Suns appears to be nearing its inevitable end, as a trade is reportedly viewed as a foregone conclusion within NBA circles. According to insider Jake Fischer, who spoke on his show, NBA Insider Notebook, Durant’s departure was not only considered but actively discussed during the Suns’ recent head coaching search.

"Everyone around the Kevin Durant situation, around Phoenix, are talking about a Kevin Durant trade as a foregone conclusion."

"That trading Kevin Durant was spoken about to various candidates in the Suns' lengthy head coaching search process, that trading him was going to be basically a matter of fact and not a matter of if, but a matter of when." 

The whispers have now turned into league-wide tremors. At 36, Durant is still an elite, all-world scorer who averaged 27.1 points per game on 52% shooting this season. He remains one of the most difficult matchups in basketball and still commands respect as a top-15 player. 

Despite the Suns’ disastrous 2024–25 campaign, which ended without a playoff appearance and was marred by internal dysfunction and the failure of their "superteam" experiment, Durant’s value around the league hasn’t dipped.

Among the strongest suitors are the San Antonio Spurs, who have emerged as a leading destination for the former MVP. According to reports, the Spurs’ front office has shown strong mutual interest in pairing Durant with generational star Victor Wembanyama. 

A potential trade package would likely include the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and two key rotation players, possibly Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. 

The move would give Wembanyama the offensive firepower and playoff experience he currently lacks around him, while elevating San Antonio into instant contention in the Western Conference.

But San Antonio isn’t alone in the hunt. The Houston Rockets, loaded with young talent and draft capital, have also been heavily linked to Durant. Some rumors have suggested a potential blockbuster in which both Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo could eventually end up in Houston through separate, sensational trades. 

While speculative, Houston has the assets to swing big and has made it no secret they want to fast-track their rebuild into a championship window.

Even the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are believed to be quietly monitoring the situation. The Knicks are in full win-now mode and have the contracts and picks to build a compelling offer. 

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves reportedly want to find an “alpha dog” to pair with Anthony Edwards after a second straight Western Conference Finals exit, and Kevin Durant fits that mold perfectly. 

As for Phoenix, the writing is on the wall. They recently hired a new head coach in Jordan Ott and are looking to reshape their identity around Devin Booker. 

It’s no secret they want to move on from Bradley Beal as well, who has become virtually untradeable due to his contract and injury history. With Durant also on the move, the Suns are signaling a hard reset, not a rebuild, but a refocus, with Booker at the center of the franchise.

Kevin Durant’s next chapter is coming. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when and where.