Ranking potential Kevin Durant landing spots based on legacy impact

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly open to trading Kevin Durant. The former MVP is the most tradable member of the team's "Big Three," and could generate a significant return for Phoenix to begin retooling its roster.

Durant's superstar status means multiple teams will likely submit trade offers in the coming weeks. But not every destination makes sense for Durant, especially when considering what this move could mean for how history remembers him.

Critics have constantly scrutinized and dismissed Durant's two championships with the Golden State Warriors. Therefore, his next destination could either silence those doubters or cement the narrative that he can't win without joining established powerhouses.

With that context, here are five potential landing spots ranked from worst to best by their potential impact on Durant's legacy.

5. Golden State Warriors 

The Warriors aren't the dynasty they were when Durant joined the franchise in 2016. However, moving back to the Bay Area would spark too much discussion about his inability to win without Stephen Curry by his side. 

Even if Durant did help bring another championship to Golden State, it would only further add to the discourse surrounding his accomplishments. For that reason, he will likely look to swerve a reunion with Steve Kerr and the Warriors core. 

4. Miami Heat 

Granted, winning a championship is a team effort; however, Durant has fallen short in his last two landing spots. Out of all the potential suitors for his services, the Heat have the least depth. Miami would need to gut its roster to acquire the 15-time All-Star. 

That means moving to South Beach could make it three straight teams without a championship. Pat Riley will undoubtedly try to give Durant the supporting cast he needs, but as we saw with Jimmy Butler, Riley has lost some of his powers. After all, Butler was never given the supporting cast he needed to get over the hump.

So, unless Durant is moving to Miami for the weather, he may try to swerve the franchise as a potential landing spot. 

3. Houston Rockets 

The Rockets are a star player away from being a contender. Ime Udoka has instilled a culture and play style that gets the best out of the current roster. If Durant could be airdropped into the current rotation, and he helps them win a championship in the coming years, the narrative around his career could change.

Sure, he would be joining a pre-built roster. Yet, he would be the talent that got the team over the hump. A win with Houston would do wonders for silencing his critics. 

2. San Antonio Spurs

Durant is a veteran talent. Adding him to the San Antonio Spurs would put him into some unfamiliar territory. After all, the roster is being built around Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and whoever comes in with the 2025 second overall pick.

Nevertheless, Durant could be part of the first Spurs team to win a championship since the great Tim Duncan patrolled the paint. That sort of achievement would have to count for something, especially if he helped expedite Wembanyama's development along the way. 

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Similarly to the Rockets, the Timberwolves feel like they're one star piece away from being set for the foreseeable future. Anthony Edwards needs a running mate who is just as talented, if not more. The only difference is that if Durant won a championship with the Timberwolves, the entire narrative would have to change.

Minnesota has never raised a championship banner. Durant would go down as a franchise legend and a three-time champion. Furthermore, the Timberwolves have the assets to acquire him without stripping the roster down to the studs. So, if the Timberwolves come calling and the Suns are happy with the return, Durant should do whatever he can to start stocking up on winter wear.