In the time of player empowerment in the NBA, we see plenty of players who “choose” which team they eventually get traded to. They give a list of “preferred destinations”, and more often than not, their wishes become granted. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant did the same this past weekend, giving a short list of three franchises that he is willing to play for and potentially end his career with.
NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Still Interested In Kevin Durant
But if the Spurs, Rockets, or Heat don’t offer enticing enough packages, then the Suns could start to play hardball.
According to Sam Amick and Jon Crawczynski of The Athletic, Phoenix isn’t willing to bend the knee. They’ve made it clear to Durant’s camp that they will do what they can to secure the best possible return for his services, whether that be with one of his three preferred teams or elsewhere in the NBA.
The Timberwolves are poised to re-emerge as a real contender to land Kevin Durant — if he warms up to the possibility of joining Minnesota.
Intel from @sam_amick and @jonkrawczynski: pic.twitter.com/RvgK6AvBvm
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 17, 2025
And given the lack of interest that the Suns have shown in the offers that those three teams have made, it may be time for other franchises to step up and ignore Durant’s requests.
One of them is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have long been rumored to have interest in bringing in Durant. It was obvious during the postseason that they were lacking in certain areas, and there is thought within the organization that Kevin Durant could be a missing piece that helps get them over the hump.
Add in the relationship that he and Wolves superstar guard Anthony Edwards have, and it is a wonder why the team isn’t one of Durant’s preferred NBA destinations.
Suns Not Enticed By Offers From Rockets, Spurs
It is “pretty clear” the Rockets offer for Kevin Durant revolves around Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the 2025 draft, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“The Suns would likely want Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard as well.” pic.twitter.com/OAP25iyQmB
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 17, 2025
Minnesota can certainly offer an enticing package to the Suns that they would have to consider. It is unclear what the team hopes to do with both Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle this offseason, and there is a likelihood that one of them is moved in order to bring in different talent. Phoenix would likely be interested in either of them, and it would likely be one of the best returns for Durant’s services that will come across the desks of their front office.
As the Athletic writers explain, the Suns have been underwhelmed by the deals that the Rockets have offered, and the Spurs have been “conservative” in their pursuit. If that trend continues as we approach the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, we may see more teams than just the Timberwolves ignore the three-team list and make offers of their own.
