With the NBA Draft approaching on June 25, trade discussions around Kevin Durant have intensified. The Phoenix Suns are actively exploring scenarios involving the 14-time All-Star, who has identified three preferred destinations: the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.

While the Suns have focused negotiations on Miami, Houston, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, only the Heat and Rockets are seen as realistic landing spots. The Spurs, though on Durant’s list, have shown little urgency to engage.

Durant remains one of the league’s most productive stars, averaging 26.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during the 2024–25 season. At 36 years old and entering the final year of a $54.7 million contract, his market value is shaped by short-term upside and long-term risk, especially for teams with younger timelines.

Spurs Back Off as Rockets, Heat Take Center Stage

While Durant’s camp included San Antonio on his list of preferred landing spots, the Spurs have pulled back from serious pursuit. The organization is focused on building a long-term contender around Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and the likely addition of Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick. San Antonio’s front office views its asset trove as more valuable for a future acquisition that aligns with its timeline, rather than a short-term swing for a 36-year-old star.

The Spurs have explored Durant frameworks and maintain respect for his game, but they are not expected to submit an aggressive offer during this transaction cycle. With Durant turning 37 in September, the age gap between him and San Antonio’s core—still in its early 20s—has made the front office hesitant to mortgage significant future capital for a short-term upgrade.

With the Spurs effectively stepping back, Houston and Miami have emerged as the two most actionable options on Durant's list. Both teams are exploring ways to structure offers that would appeal to Phoenix, but Houston has the upper hand in terms of potential young players and draft assets to include.

Rockets Leverage Draft Control in Talks

The Rockets are negotiating from a position of strength due to their control over multiple future Suns first-round picks. They own Phoenix’s unprotected 2025 pick, which landed at No. 10 overall, as well as the unprotected 2027 first-rounder. They also have swap rights in 2029 in a three-team arrangement involving Dallas and Brooklyn, in which Houston will receive the two most favorable picks among the three teams, and the Nets will take the least favorable.

This structure gives Houston unique leverage. Trading for Durant would likely weaken Phoenix’s long-term outlook, which in turn increases the value of the very picks Houston already controls. That possibility may create hesitancy within the Suns’ front office — especially if the Rockets are unwilling to part with additional core assets to complete a deal.

For Houston, the question becomes whether the potential short-term upgrade justifies sending more out in a deal that already benefits them long-term. If Houston can strike a balance, it may be able to acquire Durant without depleting their most important young talent.

Miami’s Offer Could Hinge on Young Talent

The Heat are positioned to make a serious run at Durant, but the structure of their offer may come down to whether they’re willing to include Kel’el Ware. The promising big man has drawn interest from Phoenix, and his inclusion could help tilt negotiations in Miami’s favor.

Miami has the ability to combine veteran salaries with rotation-ready players, but their package is weakened by a lack of appealing future draft assets. The Heat hold the No. 20 overall pick in this year’s draft — acquired from the Golden State Warriors — and do not control a lottery pick or a particularly valuable long-term pick portfolio. That limits their ability to compete with teams like Houston, which holds multiple unprotected Suns picks and favorable swap rights.

Still, Miami’s playoff experience, veteran infrastructure, and win-now mentality could help shape the overall value of their offer as Phoenix weighs competing proposals. If Ware or another high-upside young player is included, the Heat could remain firmly in contention despite their limited draft leverage.

Timberwolves Still Engaged, But Facing Durant’s Resistance

The Minnesota Timberwolves has been linked as a trade suitor, but Durant has expressed no interest in joining the team, which continues to be the primary obstacle. Despite that resistance, Minnesota is holding out hope that he may eventually reconsider — particularly if trade talks with his preferred destinations stall.

The Wolves have internally discussed frameworks to acquire Durant and view him as the ideal piece to pair with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns in a championship push. However, they have been unwilling to include Jaden McDaniels, further weakening the viability of their trade proposals.

Even if Minnesota softened its position on McDaniels, Durant’s lack of interest remains the most significant hurdle. For now, it remains an active suitor with limited leverage — waiting for the situation to shift in their favor.

Teams like the Toronto Raptors have also surfaced as potential wild card options. While not one of Durant’s preferred destinations, the Raptors have the asset base and organizational boldness to enter the mix if the current talks falter. Their track record with bold acquisitions, including the 2018 deal for Kawhi Leonard, makes them a team worth watching.

Trade Timeline Points to Draft Week Resolution

There is increasing belief that Phoenix will move Durant before or during the NBA Draft. The Suns are eager to use any incoming assets as part of a broader offseason reshaping and prefer to avoid an extended standoff into July. Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman continue to work with the front office to identify viable outcomes.

The focus remains on Houston and Miami as the most likely landing spots. San Antonio has stepped back, and Minnesota is stuck in neutral. Any surprise entrant will need to overcome not only Phoenix’s valuation but Durant’s own willingness to report and commit to a new team.

If a deal comes together in the days ahead, it could reshape the direction of multiple franchises — and signal the end of another high-profile era in Phoenix.