Kevin Durant’s future in Phoenix is uncertain as trade speculation heats up. With the Suns struggling and tensions rising, Texas-based teams emerge as possible destinations for the two-time NBA champion and elite scorer.
With a relatively weak NBA free agency class this year, the trade market is expected to heat up quickly after the season ends and the draft begins. While draft night often sees minor deals, blockbuster trades usually follow soon after as teams reconfigure their rosters and reassess their championship ambitions.
Kevin Durant
| Team: |
Phoenix Suns |
| Position: | PF |
| Age: | 36 |
| Height: | 211 cm |
| Weight: | 109 kg |
| Birth place: | Washington, United States of America |
One of the biggest names potentially available is Kevin Durant. The 36-year-old Phoenix Suns star remains one of the NBA’s most lethal scorers and continues to chase another championship. While the Suns are under no obligation to trade Durant—and may not even want to—circumstances suggest they might not be fully in control of the situation.
During the trade deadline, Phoenix attempted to move Bradley Beal for Jimmy Butler, hinting at their willingness to shake up the roster. Talks also emerged between the Suns and the Warriors about a Durant deal, but nothing materialized as KD opted to stay in Phoenix—for the time being.
However, with the Suns struggling to secure a playoff spot and Durant’s reportedly strained relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer, speculation is intensifying. If a trade does happen, where could Durant land? Reports from U.S. media suggest three Texas-based franchises—Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs—are in the mix.
Houston Rockets: The Longtime Suitor
Houston has coveted Durant since 2016, when he ultimately chose Golden State. Now, with the Rockets on the rise, he could be the missing piece in Ime Udoka’s quest for a championship.
The Rockets have promising young talent, including Alperen Sengün, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., along with key veteran Fred VanVleet. A package involving one or more of these players, along with draft picks, could entice the Suns to make a deal.
Dallas Mavericks: Reuniting with Kyrie?
Dallas faces an uphill battle in landing Durant, but the Mavericks are under pressure to build a championship-caliber roster around Luka Doncic. GM Nico Harrison has a long history with Durant from his time at Nike, which could play a role in negotiations.
Additionally, Durant and Kyrie Irving are close friends and previously played together in Brooklyn. While Dallas lacks top-tier assets to offer, if the Suns see a viable trade package, KD could find himself in Texas.
San Antonio Spurs: A Surprising Contender
The Spurs recently made a big splash by acquiring De’Aaron Fox to pair with Victor Wembanyama, forming an exciting core. Adding Durant to the mix would create one of the most dangerous offensive trios in recent NBA history.
San Antonio also has valuable trade assets, including young players like Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson, along with draft picks. However, the Spurs may be hesitant to part with rookie sensation Stephon Castle, who has shown immense promise.
Durant has already won two championships with the Warriors, but many critics believe those titles were overshadowed by Golden State’s existing dominance. At this stage in his career, he remains hungry for more accolades and a chance to solidify his legacy as an all-time great.
While the Suns have yet to make any official trade decisions, their struggles, combined with Durant’s reported dissatisfaction, could push them to explore options.
