The NBA trade deadline saw a number of blockbuster deals, but one of the most fascinating storylines involved Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. Despite interest from multiple teams, Durant remained with the Suns as the deadline passed. Reports indicate that the Suns fielded aggressive calls from at least six different teams in the final 48 hours before the deadline, with some franchises making last-minute pushes to acquire the 36-year-old forward.
The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off their shocking trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, inquired about Durant 44 hours before the deadline. However, there was no real expectation in Dallas that a deal would materialize, as noted by NBA insider Marc Stein. The Golden State Warriors were also one of the teams that made a move, reaching out 29 hours before the deadline. While they aggressively pursued a reunion with Durant, the 15-time All-Star shut down any possibility of returning.
The Miami Heat engaged in serious discussions 12 hours before the deadline, with reports suggesting that Phoenix was open to trading Durant but wanted more than just Jimmy Butler in return. With no agreement reached, the Heat ultimately moved Butler elsewhere, sending him to Golden State instead.
The Houston Rockets, which reached out eight hours before the deadline, was reportedly considering sending out Fred VanVleet to match Durant’s salary, but the talks never gained traction. Five hours before the deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies called to acquire Durant and Butler, but both players rejected their offer.
The Most Surprising Team To Pursuit Durant And What’s Next?
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ pursuit of Durant was the most surprising of it all, as it came just two hours before the trade cutoff. With Karl-Anthony Towns traded away in the offseason, the Timberwolves sought to pair Durant with Anthony Edwards, who had developed a strong bond with Durant during the Olympics. However, the financial complexities of the deal, Minnesota being over the second tax apron and Phoenix needing to match salaries, made a trade nearly impossible without involving multiple teams. The Suns ultimately decided to hold onto Durant, leaving many teams empty-handed.
Kevin Durant, who was reportedly blindsided by these trade discussions, remains under contract with Phoenix through the 2025-26 season. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed interest in extending Durant’s contract beyond that period, as he remains crucial to their championship hopes. However, with trade talks surfacing so publicly, the situation could create tension moving forward. If the Suns fail to make a deep playoff run, they are expected to reassess their roster in the offseason, potentially reopening discussions about Durant’s future.
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