Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns’ star forward, has expressed a clear disinterest in being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. “I’m told Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves,” Charania said during a recent segment on SportsCenter.
Charania had earlier indicated that Durant’s preferred destinations for a trade include the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, all of which he is open to committing to for the long term.
Despite Durant’s lack of enthusiasm for joining Minnesota, the team has been reported as the “most aggressive” in pursuing the 15-time All-Star, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Charania noted that the Suns have also made it clear they are willing to explore all options, even if it means trading Durant to a franchise outside of his preferred choices.
However, the potential deal could come with risks for the Timberwolves, especially with just one year and $54.7 million left on Durant’s contract. On July 6, he will become eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. If he were to be traded to a team he is not interested in, it could significantly influence his decision regarding a new contract.
Although the Suns had a disappointing 2024-25 season, finishing with a 36-46 record and failing to make the playoffs, Durant displayed his elite scoring ability. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, boasting impressive shooting percentages of 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from three-point range, and 83.9% from the free-throw line over 62 games.
His potential pairing with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota raises intriguing possibilities, especially as the Timberwolves come off their second consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Finals. The team could benefit from adding a high-volume scorer like Durant alongside Edwards, who led the franchise with an average of 27.6 points per game. Julius Randle contributed with 18.7 points per game, but no other player on the roster managed to reach at least 15 points per game.