As the offseason kicks off, the Phoenix Suns are making moves to trade Kevin Durant. This isn’t the first instance of the Suns seeking a deal for the 15-time All-Star, as they previously explored options before last season’s trade deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were among the teams that pushed hard for Durant in those discussions. This offseason, they are back in the mix, joined by the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets, the latter two considered to be “one or two pieces away” from finalizing a trade for the star forward. Although the Heat and Rockets are believed to be on Durant’s list of desired destinations, the Timberwolves do not seem to be included.
With just a year left on his current contract, potential suitors might be aiming to secure a two-year extension with the future Hall of Famer. However, if the Timberwolves or other teams fail to receive any assurance from Durant about his long-term commitment, their willingness to give up significant assets could be limited.
This raises the importance of whether Durant is open to signing an extension with any new team. However, Sam Amick from The Athletic suggests that the Suns may have misled the Timberwolves during their previous trade discussions for Durant last season.
“It is messy. The Suns tried to work more closely with [Durant] and his agent Rich Kleiman now, but the backstory of course is how we got here, how in February they didn’t work in concert with those guys at all and they did it in the dark of night. I think the Timberwolves are confused because in February, the Suns were sending a message to Minnesota that Kevin would be OK going there. They got that intel. Except found out that ‘Oh wait, you’re really not talking to Kevin. You don’t actually know how he feels.’”
— Sam Amick on Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant trade negotiations
Given that Phoenix has revamped its front office and acquired a new general manager, negotiating in bad faith should not affect the Suns this time around.
Despite reports suggesting that Durant had vetoed a previous trade involving the Nets and the Suns that would have sent him to Minnesota, the Timberwolves remain engaged in the pursuit, and acquiring a commitment for an extension may not be as crucial as previously thought.
“The #Timberwolves are still in the KD mix” 👀
– @DWolfsonKSTP on what he’s heard regarding Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/o1odpSvjOp
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) June 19, 2025
Image Source: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock
