Ranking the three best destinations for Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns are expected to "work together" to find the veteran sharpshooter a new home this offseason, per ESPN's Shams Charania. 

Durant, 36, will undoubtedly have a lot of suitors even in his 18th season. Here's a ranking of the three best destinations for Durant based on basketball fit, post-trade ramifications and other factors:

No. 3: Houston Rockets

The blossoming Rockets have an abundance of athletes and defenders but lack elite marksmanship. They rank No. 4 in defensive efficiency but languish at No. 15 on offense. They are No. 18 in clutch-time points, shooting a league-worst 36.7% in the final five minutes of close games. They desperately need a closer like Durant. 

Potential trade package: Fred VanVleet (team option), Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, three first-round picks 

Basketball fit: A starting five of Durant, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun sounds riveting. Durant and Sengun can be offensive hubs out of the post, given that Thompson and Green are natural ball-handlers and Smith Jr. is an excellent floor-spacer and screener. There is enough offensive firepower in that lineup, and Houston would still have Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks to come off the bench.  

No. 2: Minnesota Timberwolves

Some have knocked Durant for his lack of leadership and nonchalant attitude behind the scenes. Anthony Edwards, 23, has shown the signs of a strong leader who holds the locker room accountable. Their contrasting personalities could mesh. It also helps that Edwards idolized Durant and the duo developed a close bond during the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Potential trade package: Julius Randle, Naz Reid (sign and trade), two first-round picks 

Basketball fit: With Durant, Jaden McDaniels and Edwards on the wings, the Timberwolves can keep Rudy Gobert in drop coverage and revert to the elite defensive unit they were last year. Donte DiVincenzo, with his underrated playmaking skills, can start at PG or play behind Rob Dillingham, who may be ready for a bigger role in his second year.   

No. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder

It's time to come home. A Warriors reunion would have been cute, but Durant always felt like a temporary fit in the Bay Area. A return to OKC would be a better feel-good story, especially if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. flame out of this year's postseason. Both sides need each other, and Durant has unfinished business after the 2012 NBA Finals loss and 2016 playoffs choke job. 

Potential trade package: Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and three first-round picks.

Basketball fit: Durant would seamlessly slide next to Chet Holmgren at the four, with Luguentz Dort and All-Star guards Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams remaining in their natural spots. The losses of Hartenstein, Wiggins and Joe will hurt, but not enough for the Thunder to pass up on the chance to bring back the greatest player in franchise history.