Phoenix Suns Expected to Trade Kevin Durant This Summer, NBA Insider Reports

The Phoenix Suns are heading toward a major shake-up this offseason, with NBA insider Brian Windhorst predicting that they will trade Kevin Durant. According to Windhorst, the Suns and Durant are both aware of the situation, and the franchise will look to move the superstar forward after the season.

Brian Windhorst Drops a Bombshell on Kevin Durant’s Future

During a segment on ESPN’s NBA Today, Windhorst made a bold claim regarding Durant’s uncertain future in Phoenix:

“They’re gonna trade [KD] him, and he knows that.”

Windhorst elaborated further, stating that despite the swirling trade rumors, Durant has remained professional and focused on winning games. He also pointed out how Durant subtly advertised himself to potential suitors, making it clear that he is still capable of being a franchise-altering player.

“There’s been a couple of opportunities where he could’ve criticized them or [been upset about] trying to trade him – he’s not done that. He’s been very professional about this, and I expect that to continue throughout the rest of the regular season. He’s going to try to win every game he’s out there, and then in the offseason, he sorta gave himself an ad there… ‘Whatever team gets me, you know I’m gonna make a difference, I’m still in my prime.’ I think he’s handled this very appropriately,” Windhorst explained.

Golden State Warriors Previously Expressed Interest in Durant

One of the most intriguing revelations from Windhorst was that the Golden State Warriors showed interest in bringing Kevin Durant back before the NBA trade deadline. However, Durant ultimately declined a return to his former team, opting to stay with the Suns for the remainder of the season.

“I know the Warriors wanted him, it didn’t work out, he said he didn’t want to be there – Warriors are doing great too. They’re doing just fine. KD set himself up for his last act – I think everybody’s intentions are crystal clear here.”

While the Warriors may no longer be in the mix, other teams could emerge as serious contenders for Durant’s services this summer.

Suns’ Struggles Fuel Trade Rumors Surrounding Durant

The Phoenix Suns have had a disappointing season, currently sitting outside the Western Conference play-in picture. Following a 151-148 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Suns dropped to 27-31, ranking 11th in the West. They now trail the Sacramento Kings (29-28) by 2.5 games for the final play-in spot.

Despite the team’s struggles, Durant has continued to perform at an elite level in his 17th NBA season. The 36-year-old forward is averaging:

• 26.9 points per game

• 6.0 rebounds

• 4.3 assists

• 1.4 blocks

• 53 percent shooting from the field

• 40.2 percent from three-point range

Durant remains under contract with Phoenix, playing in the third year of a four-year, $194.2 million deal he initially signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He is set to earn $54.7 million next season, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players.

Which Teams Could Trade for Kevin Durant This Offseason?

With Kevin Durant’s name surfacing in trade rumors throughout the season, several teams have reportedly shown interest in acquiring him. Before the trade deadline, both the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors were linked to Durant, though no deal materialized.

Now, with the offseason approaching, new contenders are emerging. According to recent reports, the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets could become serious suitors for Durant this summer.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have long been rumored to have interest in Kevin Durant. Miami has been in search of another superstar to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and Durant’s ability to score at will would make him a perfect fit in their system. The Heat have been aggressive in pursuing elite talent in recent years and are expected to make another attempt at landing a high-profile player this summer.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are looking to build a championship-caliber team around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Adding Durant to the mix would instantly make Dallas one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. The Mavericks have trade assets that could appeal to the Suns, including young players and draft picks, and they have the motivation to make a move that puts them in position to win now.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have emerged as a dark-horse candidate in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. With a roster full of young talent and significant cap space, the Rockets could offer the Suns an attractive trade package. Houston’s front office has been aggressive in pursuing stars, and Durant could be the piece that accelerates their rebuild. If they manage to land him, the Rockets could instantly become a playoff contender in the Western Conference.

What’s Next for Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns?

With the Suns underachieving and questions surrounding the roster’s long-term construction, Kevin Durant’s future in Phoenix remains uncertain. The franchise was expected to contend for a championship after assembling a Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but the results have been far from ideal.

If the Suns fail to turn things around, it’s highly likely that they will enter a rebuilding phase, and trading Kevin Durant would be the first major step in that process. The organization may look to move him in exchange for assets that help reshape the team’s future while also giving Durant a chance to compete for a championship elsewhere.

Will Kevin Durant Be on a New Team Next Season?

The NBA offseason is still months away, but Kevin Durant’s name will dominate headlines as trade talks heat up. While Durant has handled the situation professionally, the writing appears to be on the wall: his time in Phoenix may be coming to an end.

If the Suns decide to trade him, multiple teams will be eager to land the former MVP and two-time NBA champion. Whether he ends up in Miami, Dallas, Houston, or another contender, one thing is certain – Kevin Durant will continue to be a difference-maker wherever he plays.

With the trade speculation only expected to intensify, Durant’s future will be one of the biggest stories of the summer. All eyes will be on the Phoenix Suns as they decide whether to commit to their current core or move on from one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. The decision they make could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come, and Durant’s next destination will undoubtedly have a major impact on the NBA landscape.