Shams Charania Drops Crucial Update on Spurs’ Pursuit of Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 3:08 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns, whose season ended below expectations, have been forced to confront internal challenges. Finishing at 36-46, the Suns missed the playoffs and decided to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season. Additionally, the Suns are grappling with the financial implications of Bradley Beal’s nearly untradeable five-year, $251 million contract, complete with an annual cap hit, limiting their flexibility in potential moves. Thus, there is a mutual desire for Kevin Durant to find a new team.

Durant remains a formidable force on the court, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from the three-point range.

NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a crucial update on the San Antonio Spurs’ ongoing pursuit of superstar Kevin Durant.

“There's a certain price threshold they'll go to for a guy like Kevin Durant, and if that price doesn't align with Phoenix's, then clearly there's just not going to be a deal.”

"There's a certain price threshold they'll go to for a guy like Kevin Durant, and if that price doesn't align with Phoenix's, then clearly there's just not going to be a deal."@ShamsCharania shares an update on the Spurs and Kevin Durant ✍️ (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/ZiqnrlSOgD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2025

The Spurs have emerged as one of Durant’s top three trade destinations — a franchise whose winning culture and potential trio with De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama play a significant role in their appeal as a landing spot for the veteran superstar.

Although the Spurs missed the playoffs this season with a record of 34-48, the team's midseason acquisition of Fox to pair with Wembanyama signals a determined effort to compete in the highly contested Western Conference.

Despite injury setbacks that sidelined both Fox and Wembanyama for portions of the season, when healthy, they proved to be an elite pairing.

Fox averaged 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Wembanyama impressed over 46 regular-season games, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game. The 2024 Rookie of the Year was the clear-cut favorite to win his first-ever NBA Defensive Player of the Year award before injuries forced him to miss the remainder of the season.

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

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