Report: Eastern Conference team could target Kevin Durant in trade

Kevin Durant has once again been the subject of trade rumors ahead of the NBA offseason, and at least one team might have an offer that would entice the Phoenix Suns ahead of next month’s draft.

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo published a story on Monday in which they project every pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, which will take place on June 25. The Philadelphia 76ers have the third overall pick following a disappointing season that was derailed by injuries to Joel Embiid and others, and they could try to package the pick as part of a trade.

According to Givony, some teams are expecting the Sixers to be active in trade discussions, with Durant viewed as a player they could target. The belief is that Philadelphia could build a package around the No. 3 overall pick and Paul George.

A trade of that magnitude is the type that Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey would explore, as he has a reputation for being aggressive in pursuing star players.

Durant is signed through next season for $54.7 million, and there has been no indication thus far that he will ask the Suns for a trade. There have, however, been numerous reports linking him to rival teams.

Though he continued to play at an elite level this season and averaged 26.6 points per game, there will likely be concerns about Durant’s age. The two-time NBA Finals MVP will turn 37 in September, so he is nearing the end of his career. Any team that considers giving up major assets for Durant would have to be convinced that he could make them a legitimate title contender.

There have been some significant questions raised about Embiid’s latest knee injury, so the Sixers might be hesitant to add another aging star.