Superstar On The Market? Kevin Durant And Suns Chart Possible Split

The NBA offseason is officially alive with intrigue, and one of the biggest storylines of the summer involves none other than Kevin Durant. According to multiple sources, the Phoenix Suns have entered serious discussions with Durant’s longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman, to explore potential trade destinations for the future Hall of Famer.

Over the past week, several meetings have taken place between Suns leadership and Kleiman, who runs Durant’s media and business company, Boardroom. These discussions have moved beyond casual speculation and are now focused on real-world scenarios that could see Durant wearing a different uniform next season.

A Star’s Uncertain Home

Durant, who will turn 37 in September, remains one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in the game. This past season, he earned his 15th All-Star selection while averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games. His shooting metrics were nothing short of elite—49.7% on all jump shots, 53.1% from the midrange, and a league-best 50.9% on off-the-dribble jumpers, according to advanced stats firm GeniusIQ.

But even with Durant putting up legendary numbers, the Suns couldn’t find their footing. Phoenix finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs in a year that saw them carry the highest payroll in NBA history. The season’s failure prompted a front-office shakeup, leading to the hiring of Brian Gregory as general manager and former Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as head coach.

Now, the Suns are staring down the possibility of moving one of the league’s most recognizable stars—again.

Teams in the Hunt

Sources say several teams have already thrown their hats in the ring for Durant, and the list is as intriguing as it is diverse.

Houston Rockets: A team on the rise with an exciting young core and assets to offer.
San Antonio Spurs: Pairing Durant with Victor Wembanyama would make for one of the most dangerous one-two punches in NBA history.
Miami Heat: Known for swinging big in free agency and trades, Miami could see Durant as the piece to push them back into serious title contention.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Riding high after a strong 2024-25 season, Minnesota might be looking to solidify their status with a championship-caliber veteran.
New York Knicks: A potential homecoming for Durant, who nearly signed with the team in 2019. The Knicks now have a much stronger roster to surround him with.

Read this: Calm Before the Collision: Crawford and Canelo Keep It Cool in Riyadh

In addition to those five, sources note that “several wild-card suitors” have reached out in the past 7–10 days. These mystery teams may not yet be public but are believed to be playoff contenders willing to reshuffle their rosters to land Durant.

Mutual Cooperation This Time Around

What’s striking about this situation is how different it is from the trade deadline drama earlier this year. Back in February, the Suns explored moving Durant to the Golden State Warriors, but the idea reportedly blindsided the superstar. Durant made it known he didn’t want to return to his old team or be traded mid-season, choosing instead to finish out the year in Phoenix.

This time around, things are unfolding with more transparency and mutual respect. Durant and his camp are actively working with the Suns to identify the right landing spot, showing a rare level of cooperation in today’s player movement climate. The two sides are reportedly aligned in their goal to find a destination that both satisfies the Suns’ needs and gives Durant a realistic shot at contending for another title.

Extension Could Complicate the Picture

One key factor in all of this is Durant’s contract situation. He’s due to make $54.7 million in the 2025-26 season, which already gives him significant influence over where he lands. But the bigger twist is his extension eligibility.

If Durant is traded, he can sign a two-year extension worth up to $112 million starting July 6. However, if he waits six months post-trade, that number could increase to $124 million. The difference in potential earnings could affect how and when he agrees to a trade.

Also important: Durant is reportedly interested in securing a long-term commitment from whichever team acquires him. He’s not looking to bounce around. Any team hoping to land him will likely need to have extension talks ready to go immediately after a trade.

The Suns’ Dilemma

Phoenix finds itself at a crossroads. On one hand, keeping Durant would mean banking on a late-career renaissance and the hope that a new coach and revamped supporting cast can elevate the team back into contention. On the other hand, trading him could allow the Suns to hit the reset button and bring in young talent and future picks to retool around Devin Booker and Bradley Beal—assuming both remain on the roster.

Read this: The Moment That Shifted Everything Tyrese Haliburton

Durant arrived in Phoenix in February 2023 after a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets. He has since averaged 26.8 points per game—more than any player in franchise history. But that individual brilliance hasn’t translated into playoff success. Injuries, chemistry issues, and a lack of depth have plagued the Suns since Durant’s arrival.

After missing the playoffs this past season, the front office seems ready to make tough decisions. Trading Durant may be the most impactful among them.

What’s Next?

With the NBA Draft just weeks away, sources believe talks between the Suns and Kleiman will intensify. The draft presents an ideal window for trades, as teams look to reshape their rosters and often have the most flexibility.

Any trade involving Durant will be complex, likely requiring multiple teams or significant salary-matching components. Still, the interest is real, and the offers are expected to be aggressive.

For Durant, this could be the last major move of his career. His legacy is secure, but his hunger for another championship ring is as strong as ever. He’ll want to land in a place where that dream can still be realized.

For the Suns, the coming weeks may define their future. Keeping Durant could mean running it back with a slightly altered roster, hoping for better health and chemistry. Trading him could usher in a new era entirely.

Either way, one thing is certain: The Kevin Durant sweepstakes are officially open, and the NBA world is watching.

Source: Sources: Suns, Durant’s business partner weigh trade options

Recap: Why This Matters

Durant remains an elite player even at 36, with shooting numbers that defy age.
Phoenix missed the playoffs despite boasting one of the most expensive rosters ever.
Several teams are in the hunt, including Miami, Houston, and New York.
Trade talks are mutual and transparent—a far cry from the surprise near-deal in February.
Durant’s contract and extension eligibility will shape the negotiations.

The NBA offseason just got a lot more interesting—and once again, Kevin Durant is at the center of it all.