Kevin Durant to the San Antonio Spurs? Trade Proposal Signals End of Suns’ Big Three Era

NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant to the San Antonio Spurs? Trade Proposal Signals End of Suns’ Big Three Era

With the Phoenix Suns tumbling out of the Play-In Tournament and the star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal failing to deliver on lofty expectations, a major shakeup appears inevitable. According to recent reports, Durant is expected to be traded this offseason, and the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a frontrunner.

Why the Spurs Make Sense

Durant reportedly has interest in San Antonio, and the Spurs have one of the deepest war chests of assets in the league, including draft capital and young talent. Combine that with a budding championship core featuring Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and likely Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and San Antonio becomes an appealing win-now option for Durant—who has signaled the next team he joins will be his last.

Proposed Trade:

• Spurs receive: Kevin Durant

• Suns receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Blake Wesley, Malaki Branham, 2 first-round picks

It’s a bold move for San Antonio, but one that could vault them into the title conversation. With Durant (37 next season) showing no signs of slowing down (26.6 PPG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT), the idea of pairing him with Wembanyama's generational defense and Fox’s explosiveness is terrifying—for opponents.

Durant’s elite shooting and experience could be the perfect final piece for a Spurs team looking to flip the switch from rebuild to contention. The Spurs lose Johnson and Barnes—both forwards—but Durant directly upgrades that position, and Wesley/Branham haven’t shown enough to hold the team back from pulling the trigger.

Phoenix's Perspective: Time to Rebuild (Smartly)

Trading Durant would mark the official end of the Suns' “Big Three” experiment, which never lived up to expectations due to injuries, poor chemistry, and a lack of depth. With Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause and declining play (recent 1-point game vs. Boston says it all), and Booker pegged as the franchise cornerstone, Durant is the logical odd man out.

The return in this deal is solid:

• Keldon Johnson (25) is a two-way wing with Team USA experience and room to grow.

• Harrison Barnes adds veteran stability or potential trade flexibility.

• Branham and Wesley are recent first-rounders who could thrive with more opportunity.

• And the two first-round picks help replenish a war chest that’s been bone dry since the Suns started going all-in.

A Trade That’s Good for Both Sides

• The Spurs go from intriguing to dangerous, forming a long, skilled, and versatile core with Wemby, Castle, Fox, and Durant.

• The Suns reset their timeline around Booker with picks, youth, and a shot to build a deeper, more cohesive team.

Durant’s time in Phoenix wasn’t a total disaster, but it was far from what fans envisioned. This trade offers a way for both franchises to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Whether or not it happens exactly this way, one thing is clear: Durant’s time in Phoenix is winding down, and San Antonio may be the best place for him to chase one last ring.