Prior to his trade to the Rockets earlier this offseason, it was reported that Kevin Durant was a target for the Timberwolves. But unlike Houston, Minnesota wasn’t on his list of desired destinations.
And with only one year left on his existing player contract, that may have been enough to scuttle a deal for the 15-time NBA All-Star.
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ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has more:
Before taking the Rockets’ offer, the Suns had in-depth discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about moving Durant for a package that included star center Rudy Gobert, guard Donte DiVincenzo, promising forward Terrence Shannon Jr., and the 17th pick in this year’s draft, sources told ESPN. Had that deal come to fruition, there was a place for (Bradley) Beal in the lineup, and the Suns might’ve made it a priority to keep him.
But Durant had made it known that the Wolves were not on his short list of preferred teams. And with just one season left on his contract, Durant had leverage. The talks faded.
Gobert was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and DiVincenzo remains a capable role player. While Houston’s package centered around Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks might have more upside due to Green, there’s a considerably higher floor with Gobert. Moreover, reports at the time suggested that the Suns were targeting a center in any Durant trade.
Fortunately for the Rockets, Durant’s leverage prevented that Minnesota proposal from being a serious option for the Suns, and the rest is history.
More: Shams: Rockets, Heat, Timberwolves leading Kevin Durant trade pursuit
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This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Prior to Houston trade, Kevin Durant worked to block Minnesota deal