The 2024-25 season was regarded as terrible for the Phoenix Suns. They missed the playoffs and play-in tournament despite having All-Stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
That disappointing result led to the decision to fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one year.
Now, the Suns are not only searching for another new head coach this offseason, but they’re also looking to trade Kevin Durant, who has one year remaining on his contract.
The two-time champion will earn $54.7 million next season while still maintaining superstar caliber performance with 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists this past season.
With reports about his potential move growing louder, several teams emerge as perfect destinations for Durant.
Houston Rockets currently control three of the Suns’ next four first-round picks, making them a natural trade partner. The Rockets also possess a bundle of intriguing young players and salary-matching tools.
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are earning significant money as part of the team’s young core. Houston could include veterans like Dillon Brooks or Fred VanVleet, with the organization able to pick up his team option and include him in an expiring deal.
This represents a beneficial scenario for both sides. Durant’s scoring prowess could provide the Rockets with offensive firepower needed to complement their young core and make a deep playoff run following their first-round elimination against Golden State this season.
For the Suns, they could choose between young talent or veterans to remain competitive for at least play-in contention, assuming Devin Booker stays.
Despite being 36, Durant remains one of the NBA’s most effective scorers with 52.7% shooting last season. Pairing him with rising star Anthony Edwards could elevate Minnesota to serious championship contention.
Executing such a trade would require the Timberwolves to navigate salary cap constraints. Potential trade assets could include players like Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, or Julius Randle, along with future draft picks.
Durant and Edwards developed strong rapport during their Team USA experience, with Edwards reportedly viewing Durant as a mentor.
The New York Knicks, following their commendable Eastern Conference Finals run, are positioned to make a significant leap.
Acquiring Durant and pairing him with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges could create a formidable trio capable of contending with the league’s elite.
To match Durant’s substantial salary, New York would need to include significant assets in any trade package. One proposed scenario involves sending Karl-Anthony Towns to Phoenix in exchange for Durant.
This move would satisfy salary requirements while providing the Suns with a younger star to build around, while allowing the Knicks to move on from a player many viewed as problematic during their playoff defensive struggles.
