As the NBA offseason approaches, trade discussions around Kevin Durant are heating up. While the Phoenix Suns are still battling for a Western Conference play-in spot, Durant’s future with the team remains a major storyline. The two-time NBA champion and former MVP is set to enter the final year of his four-year, $198 million contract, making him a valuable trade asset.
With Phoenix looking to reshape its roster, several teams have emerged as potential trade partners. Our NBA analysts—Chris Herring, Zach Kram, Kevin Pelton, and André Snellings—have proposed four possible deals for Durant, with front-office insider Bobby Marks evaluating the best offer.
Potential Trade Destinations for Durant
1. Dallas Mavericks: A High-Risk, High-Reward Move
Mavericks receive: Kevin Durant
Suns receive: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, 2025 first-round pick
In this scenario, Dallas pairs Durant with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, creating a dynamic but top-heavy roster. While Durant would provide elite scoring and perimeter play, the deal comes with risks, including the loss of key young talent like Lively. For the Suns, this trade brings depth, a future first-round pick, and a promising young center in Lively.
2. Houston Rockets: A Future-Focused Deal
Rockets receive: Kevin Durant
Suns receive: Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale, 2025 & 2027 first-round picks
Houston presents a compelling package, offering a mix of young talent and draft capital. Durant would fill the Rockets’ need for an elite scorer, while Phoenix recoups its lost draft picks from the original Brooklyn trade and adds two promising young players in Sheppard and Whitmore. This deal also gives the Suns more financial flexibility heading into the future.
3. Miami Heat: A Salary-Shedding Move
Heat receive: Kevin Durant
Suns receive: Nikola Jovic, Andrew Wiggins, 2025 first-round pick (via Golden State), 2030 first-round pick (via Miami), 2026 second-round pick
This trade allows Phoenix to cut $20 million from its payroll, providing significant luxury tax relief. The Suns would gain Wiggins as a versatile two-way player and a young prospect in Jovic, but the offer lacks the premium draft picks or high-upside talent seen in other proposals.
4. New York Knicks: A Contender’s Push
Knicks receive: Kevin Durant
Suns receive: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson
By acquiring Durant, the Knicks would create a strong offensive trio with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, positioning themselves as true contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Suns, meanwhile, would gain Anunoby, an elite two-way forward, and Robinson, a defensive anchor, making them competitive without fully rebuilding. However, Anunoby’s hefty contract remains a concern.
The Verdict: Houston Rockets Offer the Best Deal
While each proposal has its merits, the Houston Rockets’ offer stands out as the best for Phoenix. This deal checks multiple boxes, including:
- Draft capital: Phoenix recovers its lost first-round picks, allowing for greater roster flexibility.
- Young talent: Sheppard and Whitmore provide future building blocks for the Suns.
- Win-now players: Brooks is a strong defender and perimeter shooter who can contribute immediately.
- Financial flexibility: The deal helps lower Phoenix’s payroll, making future moves easier.
As the offseason unfolds, Durant’s decision—and Phoenix’s willingness to move him—will shape the NBA landscape. If the Suns choose to trade him, Houston might just be the best landing spot.
Source:https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/44108357/kevin-durant-trade-proposals-four-deals-suns-star
