Despite Trade Chatter, Phoenix Suns Reluctant to Move Kevin Durant

NBA Trade Rumors: Despite Trade Chatter, Phoenix Suns Reluctant to Move Kevin Durant

Despite persistent speculation and trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns reportedly don’t want to trade Kevin Durant during the upcoming 2025 offseason—at least not by choice. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Phoenix’s ideal scenario would keep the 14-time All-Star in the desert. But the harsh realities of the NBA’s new financial landscape could force their hand.

"Do the Suns want to trade Kevin Durant this summer? No, not really," Windhorst said Monday. "But the reality is that the Suns' pathways of getting out of the second apron—to ensure they have flexibility—all seem to lead to Durant."

Second Apron Pressure: A Financial Fork in the Road

Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, the “second apron” is a dreaded financial tier that severely limits roster flexibility for teams that exceed it. Phoenix’s current payroll structure—with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal combining for nearly $150 million next season—is backed into that cap corner.

Trading Durant, who is set to make $54.7 million in 2025-26, may be the only real option to unlock flexibility.

Durant’s Trade Value Still High

Durant is in the midst of another elite season, averaging:

• 26.6 PPG

• 6.0 RPG

• 4.2 APG

• Shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from deep, and 83.9% at the line

That production, even at age 36, has kept his trade value sky-high. Before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that multiple contending teams had mutual interest in acquiring Durant, including:

• Golden State Warriors

• Houston Rockets

• Miami Heat

• Minnesota Timberwolves

• New York Knicks

• San Antonio Spurs

Although nothing materialized—in part because Durant reportedly didn't want a trade mid-season—the groundwork for a summer blockbuster has already been laid.

Phoenix’s Problem: Star Core, Shaky Results

The Suns currently sit 11th in the Western Conference with a 35-43 record, putting them in danger of missing the playoffs entirely. That’s a stunning fall for a team built around three high-priced stars.

While Durant has delivered, Beal has underwhelmed, and the overall roster depth has been exposed. With few draft picks and no cap flexibility, the Suns may need to make a painful choice: keep Durant and run it back, or move him to build for the future.

What’s Next?

According to Windhorst, the Suns had legitimate conversations with multiple teams before the trade deadline, and those talks are “likely to lead to action this summer.” While Durant’s trade would be a seismic move, the idea is no longer far-fetched—it may be a necessity.

Bottom Line

• The Suns don’t want to trade Durant—but they might have to.

• His age, contract, and trade value make him the most logical piece to move.

• Several contending teams remain interested.

• This offseason could define the future of the Suns, for better or worse.