Kevin Durant is unlikely to be traded by the Phoenix Suns in free agency.

NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant is unlikely to be traded by the Phoenix Suns in free agency.

Kevin Dura is unlikely to be traded by the Phoenix Suns. Even though Kevin Durant was retained by the Phoenix Suns until the February trade deadline, rumors concerning his future continued.

 The first is if the future Hall of Famer is willing to sign a two-year, $122 million contract extension with the team that acquires him. ESPN's Bobby Marks said Thursday that "two factors will play a role if a trade materializes" over the upcoming summer.

 This is crucial because, according to Marks, "it is unlikely a team trades draft capital and players for a one-year rental"—even if Durant is an all-time great.

Given that Durant would undoubtedly want to fight for a third championship ring, the other consideration is whether the team that trades for him is a contender.

 "I want my career to end on my terms, that's the only thing," Durant stated last month when he appeared on Baron Davis's show, The Draymond Green Show.  "That's the only thing I'm worried about. 'Cause I see a lot of dudes that don't get that opportunity, so I want to keep putting in that work to make that choice on my own."

Marks' story follows ESPN's Shams Charania's assertion that, should a trade occur, the Suns and Durant will probably "work together on any potential trade to a contender" this offseason.

 Although he made it obvious that he didn't want to return to the Golden State Warriors in a trade, the 15-time All-Star was included in a number of trade speculations prior to the deadline.  After changing its strategy, Golden State ultimately acquired Jimmy Butler.

The Suns' poor season is highlighted by the fact that Durant was even discussed as a trade candidate.

 They are 29-33 and 2.5 games behind the last berth in the Western Conference play-in tournament, even with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on the court.  This offseason, Durant might decide to go elsewhere because they don't appear to be a title contender.

 Given that other teams reportedly want to ensure he is more than just a rental, it appears that if he does, it won't be for just a year.