A week ago it seemed like Kevin Durant might get some All-Star-level help for the second half of the season before the NBA trade deadline. Now, he is the last big-name player rumored to be moved before 6 PM ET on Thursday. There have been various trade rumors for weeks, however, Durant’s name was never a part of them. And the Phoenix Suns taking offers for him was one of the most surprising developments of this season.
There has been a lot of speculation on why opinions on the 14-time All-Star changed in the Suns front office. The most common belief was that he was on the trade block to bring in Jimmy Butler with the hopes that a major change might galvanize a strong second half for the team.
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However, on Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst claimed that “part of the reason why the Suns looked into moving him, no matter what they want to say, was some level of concern about what Durant would do this summer.” It would suggest that they feared Kevin Durant would ask for a trade this offseason.
After nearly being traded this season and the Suns headed to a mediocre finish, Durant asking for a trade now seems likely. With that in mind, here are five likely destinations for the one-time NBA MVP.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been linked to Durant in trade rumors for years. Including over the last week. However, a deal is unlikely to happen this season. However, with Butler now off the books, revisiting a Durant trade this summer and Miami being at the top of the 36-year-old’s wish list is a high probability.
- Kevin Durant stats (2024-25): 26.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 40% 3PT
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have quietly been one of the better teams in the league over the last two seasons. They have a very nice young core and one of the better defenses in the league. But they seem one big piece away from being a real title contender. Bringing in the NBA legend to team up with Paulo Banchero next season would make them a serious Finals threat in the East.
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Dallas Mavericks
Following their shocking trade that sent top star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers this weekend, there have been rumblings that landing Durant would be a “dream scenario” for the Dallas Mavericks. A deal would prove very difficult to make, but the idea of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis in the same lineup is terrifying.
- Kevin Durant contract: Four years, $194 million
San Antonio Spurs
A dark horse team to keep an eye on in the Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes is the San Antonio Spurs. They have a budding superstar in Victor Wembanyama. Added an elite No. 2 scorer in De’Aaron Fox. And still have one of the greatest coaches of all time Gregg Popovich — if healthy. Durant could feel he is the missing piece to a serious title contender in San Antonio for the next three seasons.
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Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers went big this offseason by bringing in future Hall-of-Famer Paul George. However, this has been a disastrous season as injuries to him and Joel Embiid have them fighting just to make the playoffs. Reports have suggested the team is open to trading George. Swapping George and draft picks for Durant this summer will definitely be a rumored deal.
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Kevin Durant Trade Prediction
Durant’s time in Phoenix has been even more disappointing than his time in Brooklyn. Barring a shocking turnaround this season it seems very likely Durant will be on the trade block this summer. The Miami Heat will be the favorites to acquire the league legend. However, the San Antonio Spurs are a legit dark horse in the chase.