If you’re a Suns fan, brace yourself: the Kevin Durant era in Phoenix is likely over. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says there’s a 98% chance KD is on the move. Yep, 98%. That’s basically the basketball version of “don’t even bother unpacking.” After Phoenix flamed out with a 36–46 record and a payroll that’s making Sarver wish he never sold the team, it’s time to move on.
Now the fun part. According to Bovada, the favorites to land Durant are:
- Timberwolves (+300)
- Rockets (+350)
- Mavericks (+800)
- Spurs (+1000)
- Heat (+1000)
*Odds subject to change
We’re diving into the five most likely (and realistic) trades, how they’d work under the cap, why each team would do it — and crucially, why the Suns would too.
View the latest NBA odds at Bovada
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Trade:
- Suns get: Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, 2028 1st-round pick, 2029 1st-round pick (top 5 protected)
- Wolves get: Kevin Durant
This works financially with a sign-and-trade at ~$15-18M, plus existing salaries from Reid and McDaniels. Total outgoing is around $43–46M, making it a viable trade under cap rules.
Why the Wolves do it:
The Timberwolves just made back-to-back Western Conference Finals, but with only two wins to show for it, they clearly need more firepower. Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a superstar, and adding one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen in Kevin Durant would take a huge load off his shoulders. Durant gives them a proven playoff closer and elevates Minnesota’s ceiling instantly. Together, they’d form arguably the best 1-2 punch in the league—exactly the kind of boost you need to finally break through on a deep playoff run.
Why the Suns do it:
McDaniels gives them elite wing defense, and Reid is a starting-caliber big. Add in two firsts, and it’s the kind of depth and flexibility Phoenix desperately needs. They stay competitive while getting younger and, most importantly, cheaper.
2. Houston Rockets
Trade:
- Suns get: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., 2026 Brooklyn 1st-round pick (via Harden trade, unprotected)
- Rockets get Kevin Durant.
The cap doesn’t work unless Houston adds Dillon Brooks ($22.6M) or VanVleet ($44M). But they’ve got the depth to do it.
Why the Rockets do it:
The rebuild is over in Houston. Ime Udoka has them defending at a high level, and Durant instantly accelerates their timeline. KD reportedly likes the idea of Houston, and with so much young talent on the roster, they can afford to consolidate. There’s only one basketball, and right now the Rockets have too many mouths to feed. It’s time to trade a few quarters for a dollar—and Kevin Durant is that dollar.
Why the Suns do it:
They get two young core players on rookie deals, plus draft capital — a luxury they’ve lacked. It also lowers their payroll and gives them long-term flexibility. This is the “reload without tanking” blueprint.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Trade:
- Suns get: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, 2025 1st-round pick (14th overall)
- Spurs get: Kevin Durant
Outgoing salaries (~$47M) work with a little cap room. Spurs have flexibility.
Why the Spurs do it:
Victor Wembanyama is the future, but he needs help now. Durant’s still elite and would draw doubles away from Wemby. Put Durant on the Spurs, and they’re instantly in the mix of elite teams in the West.
Why the Suns do it:
They get a good 3-and-D wing in Vassell, a serviceable vet in Barnes, and a lottery pick. That’s value, balance, and cap control — all things Phoenix desperately needs right now.
4. Miami Heat
Trade:
- Suns get: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, 2027 Miami 1st-round pick (unprotected) 2029 Miami 1st-round pick (top-5 protected)
- Heat get: Kevin Durant
Herro and Jović (~$31M) need to be paired with Duncan Robinson ($19M) to match salaries. Totally doable.
Why the Heat Do It:
KD gives Miami a true offensive engine again. The Heat have seemed content grinding through the play-in and clawing their way into the playoffs, but pairing Durant with Bam Adebayo would instantly put them back near the top of the Eastern Conference mix.
Why the Suns do it:
Herro is still just 25 and fits the Devin Booker timeline. Jović has upside, and the picks help restock the war chest. This gets Phoenix younger and gives them pieces they can flip or grow.
5. New York Knicks
Trade:
- Knicks receive:
- Kevin Durant ($49.85M)
- Suns receive:
- OG Anunoby ($19.9M)
- Mitchell Robinson ($14.3M)
- 2027 first-round pick (unprotected)
Salary Match: Total outgoing from Knicks: ~$34.2M
Durant’s salary: $49.85M
The Knicks would need to include additional salary or utilize a sign-and-trade mechanism to match salaries under NBA trade rules.
Why the Knicks Do It:
Pairing Durant with Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns forms a formidable trio, positioning the Knicks as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Durant provides elite scoring and shot creation, addressing the Knicks’ need for a go-to offensive option in clutch situations. Also, while acquiring Durant brings star appeal to Madison Square Garden, energizing the fan base and media.
Why the Suns Do It:
OG Anunoby is one of the premier 3-and-D wings in the league, and Mitchell Robinson offers elite rim protection. Also, Phoenix is in desperate need of draft capital: The inclusion of two first-round picks aids in replenishing the Suns’ draft assets. All while moving Durant’s contract provides salary cap relief and flexibility for future moves.
Why Phoenix Would Do Any of These
This isn’t waving the white flag — it’s recognizing that $160M+ tied up in three guys isn’t working. Phoenix has no bench, no picks, and no flexibility. Trading KD gives them cap breathing room, youth, and a path to retool around Booker while he’s still in his prime.
Durant’s value may never be higher. He just played 75 games and put up 27/7/5 — still elite, still efficient. Wait another year, and you might be stuck with an aging star no one wants. These trades give the Suns real return, not spare parts.
Final Word
Whether it’s Durant teaming with Ant in Minnesota, Wemby in San Antonio, or finally playing under the MSG lights, the NBA landscape is going to shift. The Suns? They’ll take the PR hit — and quietly come out ahead, with a more sustainable, balanced roster and a long-term outlook.
Now let’s see which GM picks up the phone first.
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