Kevin Durant Predicts Suns Will Trade Him to West Team on Rise
Kevin Durant Predicts Suns Will Trade Him to West Team on Rise originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
That the Phoenix Suns are looking to reset their roster and eventually their salary cap situation is no secret around the NBA. That trading Kevin Durant this summer is likely the only way to do so is also common knowledge.
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The real question at this point is where Durant is most likely to end up. Several experts don't expect the 36-year-old superstar's trade value to be exceedingly high given his age, his salary (nearly $55 million in 2025) and the fact that there is only one year left on his contract.
That last issue is particularly problematic, because Durant is likely to want a multiyear extension from whatever team deals for him, which will be expensive and tie that franchise to the former MVP through his late 30s. And if a new deal doesn't happen, then everything a team surrenders for Durant could merely facilitate a one-year rental should he opt for unrestricted free agency in summer 2026.
As such, the needle to thread on a Durant deal is a complicated and interesting one, though there are some teams that make a considerable amount of sense. As far as Durant is concerned, the most likely of them is a Texas-based Western Conference squad with loads of young talent and a bright future ahead that could be realized as early as next season.
"I do know somebody that has been with Kevin Durant recently," John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM in Phoenix reported on Friday, June 6. "And Kevin Durant and this person talked about the Spurs."
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San Antonio has drafted the last two Rookie of the Year award winners in Victor Wembanyama, who is already on a generational trajectory based on his development, and Stephon Castle.
Wembanyama turned just 21 years old in January and was on track to make an All-NBA roster and win Defensive Player of the Year in his second professional season before a blood clot developed in his shoulder and cut his campaign short.
The Spurs also recently traded for former All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox and own the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, which is top-heavy with talent.
Durant can provide San Antonio with both general shooting and clutch-time playmaking on offense, while adding another 7-foot presence on defense -- all of which should accelerate the championship timeline for a franchise with among the most respected front office groups and coaching staffs in the league.
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Related: Spurs' Reason for Not Trading For Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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