Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reports: Timberwolves suddenly 'unlikely' to trade for Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Minnesota Timberwolves on SI
By Joe Nelson | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 10:49 PM ET

What if Rudy Gobert's "to be continued" post on X Saturday was all the evidence anyone needed to properly speculate that Minnesota's chances of trading for Kevin Durant weren't as high as most had assumed?

Again, that's just speculation, but it seems to fit considering there were a flurry of reports Saturday night that appear to distance the Timberwolves from Durant and any realistic trades. Instead, the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets appear to be the frontrunners in what has been a rapidly changing situation.

"The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant's preferred trade destinations out of Phoenix, sources tell ESPN," Shams Charania reported Saturday night. "Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term."

Meanwhile, The Athletic is reporting that Durant's preferred destinations are Miami or Houston.

JUST IN: Kevin Durant has two preferred trade destinations, league sources tell The Athletic.

◽️ San Antonio Spurs
◽️ Houston Rockets pic.twitter.com/pJYAQb5lvd
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 15, 2025

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Chris Hine has also weighed in, saying "things can always change but confirmed that the Wolves dealing for Durant appears 'unlikely' as it stands right now."

All of this comes after longtime Wolves insider Jon Krawczynski reported that Minnesota is interested in Durant but "nothing is close."

At 36 going on 37 years old, Durant signing a long-term contract could be a tough spot for whatever franchise he does sign a multi-year deal with. He's making $54.7 million in 2025-26, and a raise from that number would put a team like the Timberwolves, who already have significant money committed to Anthony Edwards, Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, in a tighter spot when it comes to roster flexibility.

We'll see what happens, but maybe the Timberwolves have something else up the sleeve.