Surprising West Rival Joins Kevin Durant Trade Hopefuls

The two-time Finals MVP has already been linked to title hopeful clubs like the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets — all franchises with significant trade assets.

The Miami Heat, whose chief trade chips are its two best players (thus, pieces with whom Miami would not want to part if trying to obtain Durant), are also said to be pursuing Durant.

Now, a new team has reportedly entered the fray.

According to Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the L.A. Clippers could make a bid for the 11-time All-NBA standout.

"One additional team to monitor, sources said, is the Clippers, who have the contracts to make another move to augment the roster around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, presuming the latter either opts into his contract or signs a new deal this offseason," Windhorst and Bontemps write.

Harden, who has already played alongside Durant in both Oklahoma City and Brooklyn, possesses a $36.3 million player option for 2025-26. The 35-year-old guard enjoyed a strong bounceback season for his hometown Clippers, making his 11th All-Star squad and his eighth All-NBA team. He hadn't earned either honor since 2022.

Were the Clippers to somehow form a "Big Three" of Durant, Leonard and Harden, they would at the very least be a formidable regular season squad. All three players have struggled with their health in recent years — the youngest, Leonard, is 33.

"Multiple league sources said they were skeptical the price for Durant in a trade would get to a place where Phoenix would be satisfied with it," Windhorst and Bontemps caution.

That's certainly understandable. Durant's age and temperament could limit his appeal around the league, but his talent continues to be incredibly tantalizing.

Although he has regressed as an impactful defender and seems to be an occasional impediment to team chemistry (Phoenix went just 36-46 this year and missed the playoffs, despite Durant and All-Star guard Devin Booker being largely healthy), the Texas product remains a terrific three-level scorer. In 62 available bouts this past season, the four-time league scoring champ averaged 26.6 points on a .527/.430/.839 slash line, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists a night.