Kevin Durant, who averaged 26.6 points per game on 43% shooting from three last season, remains one of the league’s premier talents even at age 36. Multiple reports confirm that the Phoenix Suns are actively exploring trade scenarios, and several franchises have emerged as serious contenders for Durant.

According to league insiders, the five teams most prominently linked to Durant are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks. Each team offers a unique combination of assets, roster fit, and market appeal, making the race for Durant one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are widely viewed as the team best positioned to make a blockbuster offer for Durant. Houston has a deep pool of young talent, including Jalen Green and recent lottery picks, as well as significant draft capital.

The Rockets could structure a deal around expiring contracts and prospects, and they have the cap flexibility to absorb Durant’s $54.7 million salary for 2025-26. However, Houston may also be eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo, which could influence how aggressively they pursue Durant.

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio has emerged as a preferred destination for Durant, according to multiple reports. The Spurs can offer a compelling package built around young players like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and valuable draft picks, including the No. 14 selection in this year’s draft. 

Pairing Durant with Victor Wembanyama would instantly make San Antonio a Western Conference contender. The main challenge for the Spurs is assembling enough matching salary without gutting their promising young core.

Miami Heat

The Heat are perennial players in superstar trade talks and have the necessary contracts—such as Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, and Kyle Anderson—to make the salaries work. Miami can also offer a mix of future first-round picks and young talent like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jović.

Durant’s fit alongside Bam Adebayo and under Erik Spoelstra’s coaching makes Miami an attractive destination, though the Heat’s draft compensation may not be as strong as some rivals.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota faces some roster and cap challenges but could put together a package centered around Julius Randle (if he opts in), Naz Reid, and draft picks.

The Timberwolves would likely need a third team to facilitate a deal, especially if Phoenix prioritizes win-now veterans or additional draft assets. Minnesota’s interest hinges on keeping their core of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels intact.

New York Knicks

The Knicks have been aggressive in pursuing stars and could create a trade package featuring OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and possibly a third team to balance salaries. New York’s draft capital is somewhat depleted after recent moves, but the franchise could appeal to Durant as a marquee destination.

The Suns may prefer win-now pieces over picks, making the Knicks’ offer dependent on their willingness to part with key veterans.