Kevin Durant, forward for the Phoenix Suns, has reportedly identified the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs as attractive options as trade discussions heat up. Jake Fischer provided this update in the Stein Line newsletter.
Fischer stated, “It is widely presumed, furthermore, that landing with the Spurs or Rockets in Texas is highly appealing to the player himself.” He also mentioned that the Spurs and Rockets, along with the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors, though with less emphasis, have emerged as teams expressing various levels of interest in acquiring Durant.
Subsequent reports from The Athletic team, comprising Sam Amick, Jon Krawczynski, and Kelly Iko, reaffirmed that Durant has a preference for the Spurs and Rockets. ESPN’s Shams Charania added that the Miami Heat is also among the teams Durant is inclined to join.
According to Charania, the Suns have communicated to six to eight seriously interested teams that they are willing to negotiate the best deal for the franchise, potentially even beyond Durant’s preferred choices of Miami, San Antonio, and Houston.
Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reported on Friday that sources within the league believe Durant’s departure from Phoenix is imminent, with a trade expected in the coming days. Charania further mentioned on the Pat McAfee Show that the Rockets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves are currently leading the race for Durant’s services.
Despite his interest in the Spurs and Rockets, Fischer indicated that the Suns might not necessarily facilitate a trade to one of Durant’s favored destinations. He noted, “League sources say that the Suns have also signaled to potential suitors that they very well could opt in the end for a trade that doesn’t dispatch Durant to one of his preferred landing spots.”
Durant has one year remaining on his contract, valued at $54.7 million. As reported by Yahoo Sports’ Andy Backstrom, he will be eligible to sign a two-year extension, potentially worth up to $122 million, on July 6 after any trade.
At 37 years old in September, Durant averaged 26.6 points, shot 52.7 percent from the field, grabbed 6.0 rebounds, and dished out 4.2 assists last season. With 17 years in the NBA, he continues to demonstrate that he has much to contribute on the court.