Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Every week, Mark Medina shares his thoughts and insights on the latest NBA topics for RG. In this installment, Medina shares his thoughts on the best trade destinations for NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
Despite becoming one of the NBA’s best scorers for his efficient shooting, distinguishable length, and disciplined footwork, Kevin Durant will likely encounter a humbling trade market this offseason.
The reasons have nothing to do with Durant’s actual talent, his work ethic, or his locker room presence. Instead, some reservations may emerge about his age (36), injury history, and the assets required to acquire such an NBA superstar.
Though Suns owner Mat Ishbia pledged to make changes after finishing with a 36-46 record and a missed playoff appearance, he will only entertain Durant trade proposals so long as the team receives enough assets to avoid a massive rebuilding project. All of the NBA’s 29 other teams would love to have Durant for his consistent scoring and professionalism. Plenty lack the resources needed, however, to land a star. Others lack the will to commit so much of their future to an aging superstar.
Don’t expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to disrupt their championship roster just to reunite with Durant. Don’t expect Durant to reunite with the Golden State Warriors either after rejecting their interest leading into last season’s trade deadline amid concerns about joining a team in the middle of the season.
This might make for an unpredictable offseason. But this won’t end in an impasse. Below are three options that could make sense for all parties involved.
Houston Rockets: A Veteran to Lead Young Talent
The Rockets reportedly have “significant reservations” about acquiring Durant because his veteran presence conflicts with the team’s younger timeline. But after losing a seven-game first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets need another veteran star to increase their postseason trajectory.
After showing they don’t have a true star among their young players, the Rockets should package Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr in a deal. Houston also has other assets to entice Phoenix, including respected young players (Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore), proven veterans (Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks), and attractive draft capital (first-round picks in 2027 and 2029).
Understandably, Houston wants to prioritize continuity and their young players. But Durant would give the Rockets definitive No. 1 scoring. The Rockets also have enough roster flexibility to make a big trade without sacrificing too much of their depth. Houston coach Ime Udoka and Durant would also forge a strong partnership after already working together in Brooklyn.
San Antonio Spurs: Accelerating the Title Timeline
The Spurs are in a prime position to make win-now moves. With a young star center (Victor Wembanyama), one of the NBA’s fastest point guards (De’Aaron Fox), and a promising two-way wing (Stephon Castle), the Spurs just need another established player and strong health to make a deep playoff push. They also have enough assets to make a deal, including respectable rotation players (Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson) and draft capital (No. 2, No. 14).
Durant would receive plenty of open looks in the post because of Fox’s playmaking and Wembanyama’s paint presence. Durant would not have as much defensive responsibility with Wembanyama’s paint protection and Castle’s perimeter defense. The Spurs have more depth to absorb Durant’s absence with an injury. But Durant’s scoring would put less pressure on the Spurs’ young core to carry the team every game.
San Antonio might feel trading for Durant isn’t worth giving up its No. 2 pick of a loaded draft. But the Spurs already have a young generational talent and a solid nucleus. Durant’s presence would only accelerate the team’s title-contending timeline.
Miami Heat: Instant Star Power in South Beach
After the Heat lost in a four-game sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, Heat president Pat Riley made it clear that he will make roster changes. Despite stalled trade talks for Damian Lillard two years ago and reservations about signing Jimmy Butler to an extension last year, Riley also maintained interest in pursuing a veteran star.
Phoenix will prefer to deal Durant to Miami for any trade package involving Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro. Though the Heat likely won’t budge on giving up either of those two players, the Suns should still view the rest of the Heat’s assets with an open mind. Miami has a talented two-way wing (Andrew Wiggins), strong young players (Kel’el Ware, Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jacquez Jr, Terry Rozier), and draft capital (2025 and 2030 first-round picks).
Meanwhile, Durant would form instant chemistry with Miami’s other two stars. Adebayo has become one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders and passing centers, which frees up Durant’s workload mostly to focus on the offensive end. Herro has become an increasingly effective playmaker and scorer, which should give Durant a dependable option to work with both on and off the ball. Miami may have to sacrifice some of its depth, but the Heat have a proven track record of maximizing their role players and holding veterans and young players accountable.
Mark Medina
