Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Spurs can't be blamed for not prioritizing Kevin Durant trade

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 8:24 AM ET

Kevin Durant has zeroed in on the Spurs as his No. 1 landing spot, but the franchise may not be as enthused about the marriage.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Rockets, Heat and Timberwolves are "more motivated" to land Durant, and the Spurs haven't been "as aggressive" in trying to acquire the 15-time All-Star. Charania added that the Spurs could hold off on a Durant trade to stockpile assets for a "bigger player" who fits their timeline.

ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel also reported that "all has gone quiet" in San Antonio over the last 48 hours, with the Spurs not showing much enthusiasm in a potential Durant deal. The report added that the Spurs have more interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown, both of whom could become available this summer, over Durant.

REPORT: The Spurs could hold off on Kevin Durant and stockpile assets for a bigger star.

“I think they're going to really be stocking their assets for potentially a bigger move, a bigger player, someone who may fit their timeline.”

(via @ShamsCharania, h/t @RealGM) pic.twitter.com/nNrQkmasp1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 17, 2025

REPORT: Giannis and Jaylen Brown are names to watch for the Spurs if they pull out of their pursuit of Kevin Durant., per @BrettSiegelNBA. pic.twitter.com/AoE8r58Dx0
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 17, 2025

If the reports are to be believed, the Spurs can't be blamed for pivoting away from Durant to target Antetokounmpo or Brown.

Durant, who turns 37 in September, does not align with the Spurs' timeline. Victor Wembanyama, 21, and Stephon Castle, 20, are starting their NBA journeys, and De'Aaron Fox, 27, made just one playoff appearance in his seven seasons in Sacramento. These are young players who may benefit from growing pains rather than being subject to "win-now" pressure that comes with a team featuring Durant.

Furthermore, Durant has never thrived in the role of a mentor. In Golden State, he was airdropped onto a team with locker-room leaders and proven champions, a formula that worked well for all. In Brooklyn, he had the opportunity to mentor Cam Thomas and Jarrett Allen, but failed to get the best out of either player. Allen was ultimately shipped to Cleveland as part of the James Harden trade.

A similar trend followed in Phoenix. According to Suns beat writer Dan Bickley, Durant's "chill vibe" did not help Devin Booker's "temperament" and turned him into a soft player. Many others in Phoenix also questioned Durant's ability to lead the team.

It could be in the best interest of the Spurs and Durant to avoid the inevitable negativity. A team such as the Heat, which has a strong culture and leadership in place, seems like the best fit for the aging star.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

More must-reads: