The NBA offseason is heating up, and after the Orlando Magic kicked things off with a blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane, all eyes have shifted to Phoenix and the future of Kevin Durant. The veteran superstar is once again at the center of trade speculation, and this time, the clock is ticking.
While the Suns were hoping to move Durant ahead of the NBA Draft, a crowded field of interested teams has made negotiations more complicated. Now, with trade talks gaining momentum, one team is reportedly emerging as Durant’s preferred destination.
Kevin Durant Set for Return to Texas?
In the latest development of the Durant trade saga, is that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat are all pursuing the star, but “The Athletic” is reporting that, “the Timberwolves were made aware that he prefers to play elsewhere – specifically, league sources say, the Spurs.”
The Rockets reportedly submitted a firm offer to the Suns, signaling serious interest in acquiring the 14-time All-Star. However, the Suns rejected the proposal, believing it fell short of Durant’s market value.
Phoenix had hoped to finalize a deal before the NBA Draft, but remains focused on securing a significant return that would keep the team competitive post-Durant. If the Rockets are serious about landing the veteran forward, they will need to increase their offer.
The Rockets and the Heat are more realistic landing spots for Kevin Durant than the Spurs at the moment, per @ShamsCharania
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/ebdibTvDQA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025
The Rockets finished the season as the No. 2 seed in a stacked Western Conference, but their lack of postseason experience showed in a first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors. While Houston has an exciting young core, head coach Ime Udoka knows the roster needs proven veterans. Durant would bring exactly that. He is a seasoned leader who can stretch defenses and take over when it matters most.
Although the Rockets appear to be the current frontrunners, the Spurs and Heat are still firmly in the mix. All three teams were reportedly on Durant’s wishlist, but Phoenix’s rejection of Houston’s offer may signal that any team hoping to land the star forward will need to meet a steep asking price.
Efforts to bring Durant to Texas have also been made by the Spurs, who have been placed atop the forward’s wishlist. San Antonio is looking to add KD to a stacked young squad led by Victor Wembanyama. But it appears the route towards Texas will stay complicated for Durant as the Suns have now asked for Stephone Castle and the 2nd pick of the 2025 draft, a price that is simply a gamble too big.
More: Suns Currently ‘Underwhelmed’ by Western Conference Contender’s Trade Offer for Kevin Durant
Durant is still one of the most dangerous scorers in the league, but there is no ignoring the reality that his prime years are winding down. While he has bounced back impressively from his 2019 Achilles injury, durability concerns linger, and his recent trade history gives front offices plenty to think about.
Trading for Durant means going all in, and teams will have to weigh whether a short-term title push is worth the long-term cost.
The Rockets, Spurs, and Heat each have young cores and emerging windows for contention. But to land Durant, they will likely need to part with valuable pieces that helped get them this far.
The question now is not just who wants Durant. It’s who is willing to pay the price. As always, the Kevin Durant sweepstakes promises plenty of twists, and it is only just beginning.
