(Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
We are exactly three weeks away from the 2025 NBA Draft. All offseason, there’s been widespread speculation that Kevin Durant has played his last game with the Phoenix Suns.
It’s no secret that the Miami Heat will be involved in those sweepstakes, but who else could be in the mix?
Three Biggest Candidates:
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Collection of assets Timberwolves have to offer: Julius Randle ($30.9M player option), Jaden McDaniels ($24.9M cap hit), Naz Reid ($15.0M player option), Donte DiVincenzo ($12.0M), Mike Conley ($10.8M), Rob Dillingham ($6.6M), Terrence Shannon Jr. ($2.7M), No. 17 overall pick
If Phoenix is looking to reset its empty stash of draft picks, don’t call Minnesota. But the Timberwolves were reportedly very aggressive with trying to pair Anthony Edwards with Durant, his (former) idol, at the deadline. And they have tradable contracts. However, both teams are second-apron teams, further complicating any trade that the two can execute. Similar to Butler’s deal with Golden State, it would have to be a three- or four-team trade, realistically, for this deal to become complete.
Houston Rockets:
What Rockets have to offer: Fred VanVleet ($44.9M), Alperen Sengun ($33.9M), Jalen Green ($33.3M), Dillon Brooks ($21.1M), Jabari Smith ($12.4M), Reed Sheppard ($10.6M), Amen Thompson ($9.7M), Tari Eason ($5.7M), No. 10 overall pick, Five tradable future first-round picks (plus Phoenix’s 2025, 2027 and 2029 picks, the last being a swap between DAL/PHX)
Cold water was thrown on the Rockets being a potential suitor because of the potential asking price; Durant was in the friend zone. However, reports surfaced this week that Phoenix’s asking price has lowered considerably. The Rockets also have three Suns’ firsts. They also have multiple young pieces, even though I don’t expect them to empty the treasure chest for the 37-year-old. Houston is roughly $5 million from the first apron and $17 million from the second, so there’s a workable deal that can be done that’s mutually beneficial if they decide to engage.
San Antonio Spurs:
What Rockets have to offer: De’Aaron Fox ($37.1M), Devin Vassell ($27.0M), Harrison Barnes ($19.0M), Keldon Johnson ($17.5M), Stephon Castle ($9.6M), Jeremy Sochan ($7.1M), No. 2 overall pick, No. 14 overall pick, three tradable future first-round picks
San Antonio steam has picked up the most over the last several days. If the Spurs don’t want to engage for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Durant would come at a much cheaper cost without depleting their asset pool. That’s an important factor here, especially since pressure will be off to create alongside Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper, should they not trade the No. 2 pick. They have expiring contracts, picks, young players, etc. You name it, San Antonio can likely offer it.
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4 others I wouldn’t be surprised by:
Oklahoma City Thunder: Sam Presti has to consolidate eventually, right? Could they reunite with Durant? I think it’s more possible, even though the difficulty could be with matching salary.
Detroit Pistons: Durant doesn’t quite fit their timeline–he doesn’t fit most teams’ timelines, including the Heat’s–but they look ready to strike and have the assets to do it, namely with draft picks.
Indiana Pacers: Typically, Indiana’s valued building through the draft (it works!), but I could see them inquiring about acquiring Durant if they’re not able to get past Oklahoma City. I don’t expect them to be content, even after clinching the East for the first time in over two dozen years.
New York Knicks: Big changes could be coming in New York, so again, I wouldn’t be surprised if Leon Rose inquires if they can’t in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes (which feels very unlikely).
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