Kevin Durant's list of desired trade destinations could push Minnesota out of the bidding
The Rockets reportedly have a 'firm offer' to trade for Suns star Kevin Durant, but Phoenix continues to be underwhelmed with Houston's valuation of the All-Star forward. There has yet to be a clear indication of what that offer specifically entails, though Rockets Wire explored the financial possibilities last week.
In fact, reports have indicated that the Suns are relatively uninspired by the options involving all three of Durant's desired destinations — the Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.
Advertisement
That has led to speculation that a team not on Durant's list could perhaps win the day, and take the risk that they can eventually convince him of a long-term partnership before his current contract expires in the 2026 offseason. Most notably, the team with the most buzz around that scenario seems to be the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But according to The Athletic's Sam Amick, who spoke on Wednesday's podcast episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, the Timberwolves aren't bidding much (if at all) unless they get an indication that the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) and 15-time All-Star is happy to go there.
'Minnesota is not gonna play ball until they get the signal Kevin wants to play there,' Amick said. 'Tim Connelly, in particular, their GM... personality wise, he's a culture lifter. He's a guy that wants people that want to be there. That's something that matters to him. If the messaging continues that Kevin would come in while dragging his feet, then the Wolves are not going to put much on the table.'
That would seemingly leave the Rockets and Heat as the only teams on both lists — that is, teams actively involved in Durant trade discussions with the Suns while also being an acceptable destination to the player. Without being on both lists, there might be other teams that explore potential parameters, but it remains to be seen if any would actually surrender significant assets if they are trading for Durant against his will.
Advertisement
Thus, even if an offer from the Rockets or Heat is viewed by the Suns as underwhelming, it's entirely possible that it might end up being the best one they get.
More: Shams: Rockets, Heat, Timberwolves leading Kevin Durant trade pursuit
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Report: Minnesota reluctant to trade for Kevin Durant against his will
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
31 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
NBA Finals Game 7 predictions: Can Pacers pull off championship upset? Belief is rising
Just like they've been every game in the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers are underdogs. The Oklahoma City Thunder are 7.5-point favorites for Sunday's Game 7 in OKC. But despite the hefty spread, there seems to be more belief in the Pacers than in previous games. That's likely because few expected Indiana to push the series this deep and also the manner in which they forced a Game 7 with its Game 6 demolition. Here are our IndyStar staff predictions, plus some from around the web: ∎ Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Pacers 111, Thunder 109. I honestly have no idea what's going to happen in this game. But the most fitting thing considering the way these playoffs have gone would be for the Pacers to win on a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning 3. So let's go with that. ∎ Gregg Doyel, IndyStar: Pacers I've got the Pacers winning game seven, because I think the Pacers are better. Don't ask me why one team won 68 games but the team I think is better won 50. But that's what I think. ∎ Matt Glenesk, IndyStar: Pacers 108, Thunder 104 I've picked the Pacers throughout the playoffs, so I'm not about to stop now. After Game 6, you feel there's real belief among the Pacers. And after OKC's dud in Game 6, you'd imagine there's some doubt within the Thunder. It's been a great series, and it's only fitting we get a Game 7. More: Pacers have a chance to be 'the most unusual, unexpected NBA champion in the history of the sport' Making history: Pacers do something that's never been done in NBA playoffs ∎ Nat Newell, IndyStar: Thunder 115, Pacers 109 Thunder will be ready for a less mobile Tyrese Haliburton but this all comes down to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP can't turn in another lackluster performance … and he won't. ∎ Zach Osterman, IndyStar: Pacers Oklahoma City has unloaded its arsenal on the Pacers, and they're still kicking. If anything, they showed OKC its weakness in Game 6 in a way nobody else really has in these playoffs. Confidence is a dangerous thing, and Indiana has it in abundance. Pacers win close, late. ∎ Nathan Baird, IndyStar: Pacers I love taking the Pacers and the points here. I'm less excited about picking them to win outright. But I will, because the team of destiny vibe that built over the first three rounds has never dissipated. ∎ Dana Hunsinger Benbow, IndyStar: Pacers After six games of deep analysis, the Pacers have OKC figured out. Pacers win. Proving home court advantage at this point doesn't mean squat. And finally winning one for Herbie means everything. ∎ Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman: Thunder 111, Pacers 107 Maybe Rick Carlisle has another team of destiny on his hands after leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 2011 title over the Miami Heat. Maybe the oddsmakers in Las Vegas were wildly wrong about this series for once. Maybe it's too soon for the young Thunder to fully take the NBA by storm. But I don't think it is. I'm still going with OKC, which has played significantly better at home this postseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will surely bounce back after a rough Game 6, and the Thunder's defense will surely return to its disruptive ways. Give me OKC to win it all. ∎ USA TODAY Sports staff made their predictions for Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals: ∎ SBNation writers make their predictions: via BetMGM Game 7 favorite: Thunder by 7.5 points Over/under: 214.5 total points Moneyline: Pacers +260, Thunder -325 ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Thunder a 59.3% chance of winning.
USA Today
36 minutes ago
- USA Today
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on why Thunder have played better at home in NBA playoffs
This is why you win a historic 68 games in the regular season. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are knotted up at 3-3 apiece in the 2025 NBA Finals. That means a decisive Game 7 will determine a championship. Talk about stakes on top of stakes. After a Game 6 blowout loss, the Thunder will get a chance to win their first championship in front of their home crowd. The 2025 NBA playoffs have seen OKC play with two different personalities. Either the win machine at OKC that blows teams out or the vulnerable road team whose offense craters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the biggest reason for the Thunder's Game 7 result. In a win or a loss, the MVP winner will get a chance to cement his spot among the NBA's best players ever. He talked about the homecourt advantages the Thunder have enjoyed over the last two months. "The crowd is amazing. You're ultimately in your complete comfort zone. The flow to the day doesn't change. You're in your own bed. You have shootaround at your building. You eat your pregame meal from your chef or your whoever. It's very comfortable, the whole flow to the day, and then the crowd is behind you," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "They give you energy, whether you're up or down or whatever is going on in the night. It's an advantage. It's fun, for sure." Only losing two in a row twice all year, it shouldn't be a shocker to see the Thunder as the Game 7 favorite over the Pacers. But then again, that's been the case throughout the NBA Finals. If anybody can deliver one of the biggest upsets of all time, the Pacers are the poster child. Expect the Thunder to have their best homecourt advantage yet. All of OKC is a bundle of nerves and anxiety right now. Fans will take Monday off. Either to recover from a hard title celebration or deal with the biggest loss in franchise history and what might be next.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
RUMOR: Multiple teams trying to raid Jason Kidd's Mavericks coaching staff
The post RUMOR: Multiple teams trying to raid Jason Kidd's Mavericks coaching staff appeared first on ClutchPoints. Despite being on the New York Knicks' radar, head coach Jason Kidd knows he will remain with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2025-26 NBA campaign. He cannot say the same about his staff, however. Multiple teams are taking a hard look at the Mavs' bench this offseason, threatening to bring about more change in a franchise that is still adjusting after trading Luka Doncic. Advertisement Kidd surely wants to maintain some continuity, but he could see as many as three assistants walk out the door for another job in the near future, per NBA correspondent Marc Stein. Memphis Grizzlies HC Tuomas Iisalo is considering Jared Dudley to be his top guy on a squad that has already significantly altered its identity following Sunday's Desmond Bane blockbuster. Reigning Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson also has the 14-year NBA player in mind for the same role on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sean Sweeney, who is currently Kidd's No. 1, is in the running to join Mitch Johnson's staff with the San Antonio Spurs. He first worked under Kidd on the Brooklyn Nets more than a decade ago, so navigating his possible departure could be challenging. Additionally, Stein reports that the Orlando Magic are pursuing Mavericks player development coach God Shammgod, who spent a few years working with head coach Jamahl Mosley while the two were both assistants in Dallas. If fans turn off their natural biases, they could see why each assistant would consider making a move. Will the Mavericks have to pivot? Dudley can climb the coaching ranks by joining either Iisalo or Atkinson. Aiding the Grizzlies in a successful transitional phase or helping the Cavs finally break through in the playoffs would each look mighty impressive on a future job application. Sweeney can take one step closer to a HC position himself if he enjoys a momentous run with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. And Shammgod can gamble on the Magic becoming a long-term force in the Eastern Conference by reconnecting with his old friend. Advertisement Dallas has a talented roster and a potential generational talent on the way, but it is not necessarily an immediate launching pad to prosperity. Anthony Davis weathered injury troubles as soon as he arrived in town, and Kyrie Irving is recovering from a torn ACL. Therefore, the squad's competitive standing for next season is mired in uncertainty. Moreover, the residual effects of the Luka Doncic saga could incentivize employees to remove themselves from the organization if a favorable opportunity presents itself. Based on their own recent actions, it seems like the Mavericks are anticipating changes to their coaching staff. Jason Kidd is welcoming in longtime assistant Jay Triano, who operated as an associate head coach with the Sacramento Kings last season. His experience may prove especially vital if Sweeney departs. More modifications may be required. Fortunately, the Mavs know exactly who they are taking with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft on June 25, so they should have enough spare time to search for new assistants if necessary. Related: Mavericks' Kyrie Irving shoots back at Tracy McGrady's handles comment Related: Kyrie Irving drops words of wisdom at basketball camp
