The Kevin Durant Trade Machine: Nine Scenarios Worth Considering
- danny52615
- Jun 18
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Daniel Waddleton
Jun 18, 2025
A GOOD THING to keep in mind as you go through life is that it isn't linear.
Things rarely unfold in a straight, predictable path. Life is full of peaks and valleys, unexpected setbacks, and sudden breakthroughs. That’s true for everyday people like you and me -- and it’s just as true for the very best at what they do, like 11-time All-NBA selection Kevin Durant.
Durant has had one of the strangest careers we’ve ever seen from a player of his caliber. He’s reached heights few can dream of: the 2014 MVP, back-to-back Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018, or even just a career scoring average of 27 points per game.
Yet, his journey has been far from just sunshine and rainbows. His teams have sometimes faltered when he’s had to lead. He’s battled injuries at the worst possible moments, losing precious chances at titles during his prime. And for someone widely regarded as a top-15 player of all time, bouncing between four teams -- including being traded twice -- is almost unheard of.
Now, as he enters his 17th NBA season at age 37, it appears inevitable that Durant will be traded once again -- his third time, to his fifth franchise. The reality is any team would be lucky to have him: an instant season ticket-seller who just averaged 26.6 points on over 64% true shooting last season.
And yet, for all he’s accomplished -- and as talented of a player as he still is -- it somehow feels like KD has something left to prove as he enters what may be his final chapter
In this piece, we’re breaking down nine potential Durant trades, split into three categories. We’ll examine each team’s motivation for making the deal, what it could mean for Durant’s title chances next season, and how the Suns themselves come out of all this.
Durant's Preferred Destinations
Houston Rockets
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G: Fred VanVleet
F: Dillion Brooks
F: Amen Thompson
F: Kevin Durant
C: Alperen Sengun
BN: Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard
The appeal here is obvious. The Rockets finished second in the West and nearly knocked off a Warriors team that went 23–7 with Jimmy Butler after the trade deadline. It was an impressive season from a relatively younger team, especially considering Houston ranked just 23rd in true shooting percentage (55.3%) -- a number that dipped even further in the playoffs (54.8%).
Enter Kevin Durant. Coming off a season averaging 26.6 points on over 64% true shooting last season, he would immediately give the Rockets the number-one option they sorely lacked this postseason. With Houston’s elite defensive infrastructure already in place, Durant could focus his energy on offense, filling the closer role they desperately need. I think this is a homerun move for the Rockets.
Yet, the other side of that same coin is hard to ignore. This team could end up looking a lot like Durant’s early Thunder squads -- defensive-minded, with shaky spacing and limited secondary playmaking around him. At 26, Durant was fine shouldering that kind of load. At 37, it’s fair to wonder how happy -- or maybe even effective -- he’d be in that same environment. I'm not suggesting he won't still get his, but the grind of an entire season under these circumstances could take it's toll in year 17.
From Phoenix’s perspective, this would be one of the stronger returns on the table. They could keep or flip Jalen Green depending on the fit with Devin Booker, and I'm far from giving up my stock on a 23-year-old Jabari smith Jr. They likely wouldn’t be able to reclaim their 2027 pick, but the No. 10 pick this year and a future Rockets first is a solid haul.
San Antonio Spurs
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G: De’Aaron Fox
G: Dylan Harper (Draft)
G: Stephon Castle
F: Kevin Durant
C: Victor Wembanyama
BN: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham
Suns owner Matt Ishbia has repeatedly stated that any Kevin Durant trade would be made with the intent to keep contending around Devin Booker. This deal would be going against his word, so maybe it's a non-starter for the Suns. In order to justify a pivot, Phoenix would need to maximize the return from San Antonio, likely pushing for as much draft capital as they can.
Getting three first-rounders, including the No. 14 pick this year and a potentially valuable 2027 Hawks pick, might be enough while also including Devin Vassell. With San Antonio all but certain to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2, Vassell makes less sense on this roster, and could be a nice long term fit next to Booker as a 3&D+ archetype.
The Spurs would have to roll out some guard-heavy lineups, but they wouldn’t necessarily be undersized. Both Harper and Stephon Castle are both a legit 6’6”, and with Durant and Wembanyama anchoring the back line, they wouldn't be a short team. The bigger question would be how the pieces fit stylistically, given some overlapping strengths and shared weaknesses.
Still, this trade would instantly make San Antonio one of the most intriguing teams in the league with two unicorns on the same roster -- one chasing a final ring, the other just beginning his climb.
. . .
Miami Heat
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G: Tyler Herro
G: Pelle Larsson
F: Andrew Wiggins
F: Kevin Durant
C: Bam Adebayo
BN: Nikola Jovic, Kyle Anderson
This is the trade among Durant’s preferred destinations where the Suns manage to get under the second apron, yet it’s hard to say how much sense it makes for either side after that.
Phoenix would add some intriguing young talent in Kel’el Ware, who finished second in rookie of the year this season, and the versatile Jaime Jaquez Jr. Yet, neither player is close to being a sure thing, and the overall return feels light for a player of Durant’s caliber.
For Miami, this is an all-in move with the expectation that this roster can win now. If it doesn’t, there’s no safety net. Unlike other Eastern Conference teams that could take a big swing for Durant and still land on their feet if all goes wrong, this feels like a true all-in at the poker table play for the Heat.
Of course, it’s worth noting that we’ve seen Erik Spoelstra do more with less in the postseason. In a weakened Eastern Conference, it’s not inconceivable that this group could make a run to the Finals if things broke right, so it’d be hard to blame the Heat too much for taking the leap of faith.
. . .
Other Likely Candidates
Minnesota Timberwolves
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G. Mike Conley
G. Anthony Edwards
F. Jaden McDaniels
F. Kevin Durant
C. Naz Reid (Re-Sign)
BN: Terrance Shannon Jr, Jaylen Clark
For the Timberwolves to make any Durant trade work, either Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle would need to be included. Since there is no certainty that Randle will opt in the final year of his deal or agree to a sign-and-trade, we’ll go with the latter option.
If this deal happens, re-signing Naz Reid becomes a top priority, as he’d likely step into the starting center role. It would mark a clear shift from a defense-first identity to a more offense-oriented approach with a new frontcourt of Durant and Reid, and with Nickeil Alexander-Walker likely departing in free agency. Whether that’s the right move remains to be seen, but after a second straight Western Conference Finals appearance ended in embarrassing fashion, a shake-up like this wouldn’t be surprising -- especially if the Wolves believe Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark are ready for more minutes off the bench.
For Phoenix, if the goal is to remain competitive, this return isn't bad. You’re getting a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Gobert, an elite role player in Donte DiVincenzo -- who could thrive with a more similar role to the one he had with the Knicks -- and a flyer on a high-upside, jitterbug scoring guard in Rob Dillingham.
. . .
Los Angeles Clippers
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G: James Harden
G: Kris Dunn
F: Kawhi Leonard
F: Kevin Durant
C:: Ivica Zubac
BN: Nico Batum, Nick Richards
If the goal is to get Durant one more ring, this is likely his best shot. One of Durant’s greatest traits throughout his career has been how seamlessly he fits next to other elite offensive players. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to score, remains efficient no matter how his shot diet changes, and thrives when others create advantages.
In this scenario, he’d get to play alongside three uniquely talented offensive stars in James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. On the other end, he’d be surrounded by a strong defensive infrastructure that could protect him physically, while allowing some of his defensive strengths -- like weakside rim protection -- to shine alongside them.
This move would let Durant focus on what he still does at an elite level, while masking the areas where the 37-year-old isn't as strong: playmaking, rim pressure, and physical defense. If he hadn’t played on those 2017–19 Warriors teams, this would be the most balanced roster of his career.
In this scenario, the Suns land three players who can contribute to winning right away, plus a late first-round pick -- all the while ducking under that dreaded second apron. Maybe Phoenix decides that this group isn’t strong enough to get them back into the playoffs, and because of that they don't think this deal is worthy a return of a player Durant’s caliber. However, given the cap flexibility and roster balance they'd gain, it’s a deal they’d at least have to consider.
New York Knicks
Post Trade Key Pieces:
G: Jalen Brunson
G: Mikal Bridges
F: OG Anounoby
F: Kevin Durant
C: Mitchell Robinson
BN: Josh Hart, Miles McBride
As I'm writing this piece, it's being reported that the Knicks are NOT interested in a Kevin Durant trade, despite Durant's potential interest in playing with the team next season. Maybe it's for the best, as a deal between the two sides would’ve been risky both ways.
For New York, it could’ve solved a major issue: Brunson’s partner in crime offensively would no longer be a second defensive liability. However, on the flip side is it leaves them relying on Mitchell Robinson -- who’s played just 48 games over the past two seasons -- as their only reliable big man.
For Phoenix, the gamble would be cashing in the Durant asset for just one player, and a flawed one at that. While Karl Anthony-Towns is an elite offensive talent, his weaknesses tend to rear their ugly heads in the biggest moments: defensive mobility, foul trouble, and turnover issues.
. . .
It Won’t Happen, but Both Teams Should at Least Consider It
Detroit Pistons
Post Trade Key Pieces:
Cade Cunningham
Malik Beasley (Re-Sign)
Ausar Thompson
Kevin Durant
Jalen Duren
BN: Isiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser
This might be my favorite trade of all nine, which makes it painful that it's likely nothing more than Pistons fan fiction. There’s been no sign that Detroit is in on Durant, or that Durant would welcome a trade to the Motor City. But what if it happened? I believe the Pistons could come out with a punchers chance in the East next season without even mortgaging the farm.
There’s clearly blood in the water. The Magic showed that going after Desmond Bane for a significant haul, and the Pistons are quietly built to make a leap. Cade Cunningham has proven he can carry a serious offensive load to effective offensive production, and the team has surrounded him with defense and shooting. What they lack is a true No. 2 -- not Malik Beasley wide pin downs or Jalen Duren as a lob threat, but someone who can drive offense on their own.
Enter Durant: one of the greatest scorers ever, and somebody who's proven to be a seamless fit next to other high-usage stars. He’d become the best player to ever wear a Pistons jersey and would raise their ceiling to contender-ish status. Swapping Tobias Harris for his supernova version, dangling Jaden Ivey and a decent haul of picks? It’s not cheap for a 37 year-old, but it’s also Kevin Durant.
Cade and KD leading the new-era Bad Boys? Sign me up.
. . .
Philadelphia 76ers
Post Trade Key Pieces:
Tyrese Maxey
Quentin Grimes
Kelly Oubre Jr
Kevin Durant
Joel Embiid
BN: Jared McCain, Lonnie Walker IV
Saying last season was the year from hell for the 76ers might actually be an understatement. They signed Paul George to a four-year max contract and he hardly looked worth half that. Joel Embiid also got a massive extension that will pay him $69 million in 2028–29, and then he kind of played this season. He gave it a few tries, looked about as bad as we’ve ever seen him, then shut it down for the year.
The Sixers ended the year with 24 wins. Considering they entered the season fourth in title odds and carrying a Vegas over/under of 50.5, I'd say that's brutal.
And yet, as we’re often told in life, there’s always a silver lining. Philly stumbled into a late-season Quinten Grimes breakout, who averaged 22.2 points on 59.2% true shooting after the All-Star break. Maybe don't expect those numbers long-term -- he basically had the ball every possession once the Sixers packed it in -- but he showed flashes of someone who can contribute meaningful playoff minutes.
They also landed the No. 3 pick in a draft many evaluators are excited about. That pick could be the teams get-out-of-jail-free card -- a way to unload the remaining three years and $162 million of Paul George’s contract. Now if you told me it's insane to suggest giving up the third pick in the draft to acquire a 37 year-old Durant and double down again on this decade long Embiid roller-coaster, I wouldn't say your wrong.
Yet, Embiid’s contract isn’t going anywhere. Maybe, just maybe, the Sixers are telling themselves: if we can squeeze out one more great Embiid season… Durant might be enough to push us over the top in a weakened East.
I’d be shocked if this actually happened. But if it did? The Sixers could start this offseason with a top six they'd like against anybody if fully healthy.
On the Phoenix side? This wouldn’t be a bad return. They’d get the No. 3 pick -- their choice of anyone not named Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper -- and a passion project to attempt to salvage Paul George in the short term as they battle to stay afloat in the West without their future draft picks.
What if Daryl Morey is just crazy enough?
. . .
Cleveland Cavaliers
Post Trade Key Pieces:
Donavan Mitchell
Max Struss
De'Andre Hunter
Kevin Durant
Evan Mobley
BN: Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro
I doubt the Cleveland Cavaliers -- fresh off a 64-win season -- would be willing to pivot this hard on their roster. Yet, if they did, this was the most fun Kevin Durant trade I could come up with.
The Mobley–Allen pairing had its best season to date, thanks to internal growth and a new offensive scheme from first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson. Still, the lineup data showed that lineups with Mobley at the five were slightly better than those with both bigs on the floor. This move would allow Cleveland to finally lean into Mobley as their full-time center.
Durant and Donovan Mitchell would form the most lethal one-two scoring punch in basketball. Would there be concerns -- like in Phoenix -- about a lack of playmaking? Sure. Yet this is a chance to put three top-20 players on the same team -- surrounded by actual depth -- so the Cavs may be ready to take the risk.
For Phoenix, this would be the best return of any deal in this piece if the goal is to stay competitive in a post-Durant world. They’d land a real point guard in Darius Garland, easing the burden Devin Booker has carried since Chris Paul’s departure, and they’d finally get the center they've been searching for in Jarrett Allen -- who nearly made the All-Star team last year and is still only 27. Both Garland and Allen are young, under contract, and would fit well next to their franchise cornerstone.
An added bonus? Both Cleveland and Phoenix would be able to duck under the second apron in this deal, giving them flexibility to further improve their rosters around the edges, flexibility they currently lack now.
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