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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Timberwolves playing hardball in Kevin Durant trade talks
The post NBA rumors: Timberwolves playing hardball in Kevin Durant trade talks appeared first on ClutchPoints. As the 2025 NBA Finals near a potential conclusion Thursday night with Game 6, trade rumors surrounding Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant continue to intensify. One of the latest developments involves the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are reportedly taking a firm stance in discussions with Phoenix. Advertisement According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Minnesota is unwilling to commit to a significant trade package unless Durant signals a clear interest in joining the Timberwolves. On Wednesday, Amick reported the franchise is standing by that condition. 'Minnesota is not gonna play ball until they get signal Kevin wants to play there,' Amick wrote. This sentiment echoes a Tuesday report from Amick and Timberwolves beat writer Jon Krawczynski, which outlined the delicate nature of the trade talks and both teams' respective positions. 'The Suns have made it clear to Durant's camp that they need to prioritize the best return for the team in a deal,' the report stated. 'What's more, they appear focused on landing the kind of impact players who can help now, as opposed to prioritizing draft picks.' Advertisement Phoenix's current trade strategy centers on maximizing Durant's value by targeting players who can contribute immediately, rather than entering a rebuilding phase centered on future assets. In that context, Minnesota is viewed as a viable trade partner due to its depth and win-now roster. Timberwolves resist major roster shakeup without Kevin Durant's commitment amid Suns' high demands Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Names floated in connection with a potential Timberwolves package include Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, the latter likely as part of a broader multi-team construction. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, remains under contract and could appeal to the Suns as a frontcourt anchor alongside Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. Advertisement However, despite their potential to meet Phoenix's return criteria, the Timberwolves remain cautious. Sources close to the team indicate that Minnesota does not want to disrupt the core of a roster that reached the Western Conference Finals unless Durant is fully aligned with the move. With offers from the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat reportedly falling short of Phoenix's expectations, league sources say the Suns are still holding out hope that Durant may warm to the idea of Minnesota as a destination. Durant, 36, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the 2024–25 season, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. He is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, worth $54.7 million. The Timberwolves, led by rising star Anthony Edwards and a deep supporting cast, are seeking to build on their postseason breakthrough. But internal consensus remains firm: unless Durant expresses a clear desire to join, Minnesota will not mortgage its future or overhaul its conference finalist roster. Advertisement As Phoenix weighs its options, all eyes are on whether Durant signals openness to a Timberwolves partnership — or whether another suitor will meet the Suns' steep demands. Related: Ranking Suns' 4 best realistic Kevin Durant trade packages Related: Chris Finch's 2-word mic drop on Julius Randle, Naz Reid's Timberwolves future
New York Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
NBA Finals Game 7 predictions: Will Pacers or Thunder claim 2025 title?
It's all come down to this. Sunday night, either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Indiana Pacers will be crowned NBA champions. Few things in sports are more dramatic than a winner-take-all championship series finale. This is the 20th time the NBA Finals have gone the full seven games, and while this edition lacks the stature of 2016 — when LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a legendary 93-89 victory over Steph Curry's 73-win Golden State Warriors — the Thunder and Pacers have delivered a captivating back-and-forth series. A victory Sunday could mark a new era of NBA basketball as aging stars give way to younger ones, and superteams cede to super depth. Advertisement One thing is for certain: Picking against either team is perilous. Oklahoma City is a juggernaut at home, winning by an average of more than 20 points per game during the playoffs. But Indiana thrives as the underdog in the face of overwhelming odds. Tyrese Haliburton has already hit four game-tying or game-winning shots at the buzzer in these playoffs: Can he do it one more time? Here's how members of The Athletic's NBA staff believe Sunday night will shake out: Sam Amick: The Thunder are in grave danger here, in part because they have too often seemed to lack the necessary focus, intensity and gravitas required to win big games this time of year. Game 7 is where they pay the ultimate price for that cool, calm and collected demeanor, and the Pacers become legends for pulling off an epic upset. Zach Harper: I'll take the Pacers. I think it sets up two things for storylines. One, it's the confusion of people trying to figure out how this Pacers team ended up as the best team in the NBA, and it brings into question if Adam Silver's NBA is working. Two, it sets the Thunder up for a monster 2025-26 season where they win 73 games and go, like, 16-2 in the playoffs to win the title as their own revenge for everybody calling them chokers all year. Jason Jones: The Pacers will win Game 7. I have no fancy stats or analysis to back this belief other than every time it makes sense to go against the Pacers, they win. So why can't Indiana win one more game in Oklahoma City? I also can't pick against Tyrese Haliburton. I expect him to pull off another miracle. I have no idea what he'll do, but I expect something special. The Pacers might be the greatest collection of intangibles I've seen in the NBA Finals. There's really not one dominant player in the sense of one being an MVP candidate, but they keep winning — and they'll do it again. Advertisement Zak Keefer: Why not? The Pacers are playing with house money; they won't be scared. In a lot of ways, this team is made for this moment — and don't forget, the pressure will be firmly on the Thunder Sunday night. If Indiana can drain a few early 3s, it'll amp up the anxiety of what figures to be a raucous crowd. The Pacers have already proved they can win in Oklahoma City. A stirring playoff run ends with an unforgettable Game 7 triumph. Jay King: The Thunder have been the NBA's best team all season. They have the MVP. At home, they should have the advantage. The Pacers will knock them off anyway. At this point in the series, I trust Indiana's bench more. T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin have had huge moments. Taking care of the ball is never easy against the warlocks of the Thunder defense, but Indiana has committed 16 or fewer turnovers in four of the six games so far. When not coughing up the ball, the Pacers just have more scoring threats, and their defense has been great for much of the series. They will need a big game from someone random (maybe Myles Turner, who is due to make some shots?), but I just trust the Pacers a little bit more than Oklahoma City. I never thought I would reach this place, but I'm here now. Jon Krawczynski: The easy choice, and probably the right one, is the Thunder at home, where they have been outstanding all through the playoffs. But nothing about this amazing finals series has been easy, and the Pacers have a fiber about them that I can't overlook. History says this will be a rock fight. As our guy Mike Vorkunov pointed out, no team in a Game 7 in the finals has scored 100 points since 1988. The Thunder can absolutely win with their defense, which has been the star of these playoffs. But I think a low-scoring affair benefits Indiana because it reduces the likelihood of an Oklahoma City home blowout, which we've seen so many times in these playoffs. If the Pacers can keep it close, they just seem to always find a way. This has been an incredible series. Both teams have proved that they are worthy champions. I like the Pacers' guts a little bit more. James Boyd: I picked the Thunder in seven at the beginning of this series, and I'm sticking with them. The Pacers have been a respectable, even dangerous, challenger. But I believe league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will bounce back with a big-time performance in Game 7 and cement one of the greatest guard seasons we've ever seen. Indiana doubled SGA a lot in Game 6, causing him to commit a playoff career-high eight turnovers. Assuming the three-time All-Star is more poised under pressure and the role players around him shoot much better at home (Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace were a combined 2-for-11 on 3-pointers in Game 6), then the Thunder should claim their first title since the franchise relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. Advertisement Christian Clark: I predicted the Thunder would win this series in five games, and I thought they would take care of business in Game 6. Whoops. The Pacers keep making me look foolish for underestimating them. Maybe they'll do it one more time. I just think the Thunder win Sunday. They're 10-2 with an average margin of victory of 20.6 points at home in the playoffs. The Thunder are too good at Paycom Center for me to pick against them. John Hollinger: I'm picking Oklahoma City, much more reluctantly than I would have at the start of the series. I remain mystified that the Thunder can't get more traction offensively against what was a league-average defense in the regular season, and I assume home-court advantage will tilt things back in their favor. Don't dismiss Tyrese Haliburton's calf issue, either. Just because it wasn't a problem in a Game 6 blowout doesn't mean it won't be a bigger issue if he has to play 35-plus minutes in the finale. Tony Jones: Oklahoma City? Congrats on the title. The Thunder have played one Game 7 in these playoffs and they ran roughshod over the Denver Nuggets. I see the same thing happening Sunday. The Thunder will emerge victorious, with a comfortable win. Eric Koreen: This series has lived up to its length. Aside from having no overtime games, it has given us a bit of everything: a wild comeback, dominant efforts on home court, signature moments and hints at both individual and collective greatness. Crucially, nothing has remained static or predictable. Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish. It's one game between teams that have both proved they can confound the other in the right setting. That last word is why I'll default to picking the Thunder in a close-ish game, maybe most similar to Game 5, when Oklahoma City kept Indiana at arm's length for most of the night, with the Pacers making a late run to take it. In the end, there just isn't much to choose from between the two teams. So, I'll take the one with home court, a healthier roster and a better regular-season résumé. However, if you are picking this game with any degree of certainty, I don't trust you. Indiana 6, Oklahoma City 5. (Top photo of Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sam Amick: Rockets, Suns haven't talked Kevin Durant trade in a week
The Athletic's Sam Amick on the current state of Kevin Durant trade talks: 'I was told yesterday that Houston hadn't talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn't go particularly well.' The Rockets 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, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. There has yet to be a clear indication of what that offer specifically entails, though Rockets Wire explored the financial possibilities last week. That was reported a few days ago, and as of late in the week, it seemingly remains the case. In a conversation taped midday Friday, The Athletic's Sam Amick said this (on The Athletic NBA Daily) regarding the state of talks between the Rockets and Suns: I was told yesterday (Thursday) that Houston hadn't talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn't go particularly well. That could have changed by now, again that's as of yesterday. They would love to have KD, but it's on their price. In short, it's a standoff. The Suns are canvassing the league in hopes of either finding a better trade offer for Durant or bluffing a suitor such as Houston into raising its bid (by making them wait and leaving the team in a period of uncertainty). Conversely, the Rockets are betting that Phoenix will be unsuccessful in that effort, particularly with Durant having some leverage in the form of a trade list of desired destinations (with only Houston, Miami, and San Antonio on it). The Suns would love for Durant to eventually give them more options by expanding that list beyond three teams, and this delay is their attempt at leveraging him to do so. Because the All-Star forward's current contract expires after next season, his choice to sign (or not sign) an extension carries significant weight in any trade talks, since most teams won't risk surrendering significant asset capital if they might lose him as an unrestricted free agent a year later. For over a week, it's been reported that a Durant deal is possible at any time, with the upcoming NBA draft a key date in the talks. Should Phoenix acquire a draft asset in a trade, finalizing a deal prior to the June 25 first round would allow the Suns to make such a selection for themselves, as opposed to having a player chosen for them by another team. So, as that June 25 date looms on Wednesday, everyone waits. Can the Suns find a better offer, and will Durant expand his list to help arrange that? If not, will Phoenix lower its asking price and perhaps consider a preexisting bid from a team such as Houston? If they are unwilling to, is there any scenario where the Suns would pull Durant from the market and attempt to bring him back into the fold for the 2025-26 season? The next move seemingly belongs to the Suns, owner Mat Ishbia, and new general manager Brian Gregory, and the career-closing fate of a future Hall of Famer likely hangs in the balance. Durant turns 37 years old in September, which means that his next NBA team could perhaps be his last. Rafael Stone, general manager of the Rockets, would love for that team to be his — but on terms that work for both short- and long-term interests. Having Durant would certainly help the short-term outlook, but that may not be worth it to young team like the Rockets, if they're asked to effectively mortgage their future to do so. Houston's hope is that eventually Phoenix drops its asking price. More: Jake Fischer: Rockets might be Kevin Durant's top trade preference
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sam Amick: Rockets, Suns haven't talked Kevin Durant trade in a week
The Athletic's Sam Amick on the current state of Kevin Durant trade talks: 'I was told yesterday that Houston hadn't talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn't go particularly well.' The Rockets 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, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. There has yet to be a clear indication of what that offer specifically entails, though Rockets Wire explored the financial possibilities last week. That was reported a few days ago, and as of late in the week, it seemingly remains the case. In a conversation taped midday Friday, The Athletic's Sam Amick said this (on The Athletic NBA Daily) regarding the state of talks between the Rockets and Suns: I was told yesterday (Thursday) that Houston hadn't talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn't go particularly well. That could have changed by now, again that's as of yesterday. They would love to have KD, but it's on their price. In short, it's a standoff. The Suns are canvassing the league in hopes of either finding a better trade offer for Durant or bluffing a suitor such as Houston into raising its bid (by making them wait and leaving the team in a period of uncertainty). Conversely, the Rockets are better that Phoenix will be unsuccessful in that effort, particularly with Durant having some leverage in the form of a trade list of desired destinations (with only Houston, Miami, and San Antonio on it). The Suns would love for Durant to eventually give them more options by expanding that list beyond three teams, and this delay is their attempt at leveraging him to do so. Because the All-Star forward's current contract expires after next season, his choice to sign (or not sign) an extension carries significant weight in any trade talks, since most teams won't risk surrendering significant asset capital if they might lose him as an unrestricted free agent a year later. For over a week, it's been reported that a Durant deal is possible at any time, with the upcoming NBA draft a key date in the talks. Should Phoenix acquire a draft asset in a trade, finalizing a deal prior to the June 25 first round would allow the Suns to make such a selection for themselves, as opposed to having a player chosen for them by another team. So, as that June 25 date looms on Wednesday, everyone waits. Can the Suns find a better offer, and will Durant expand his list to help arrange that? If not, will Phoenix lower its asking price and perhaps consider a preexisting bid from a team such as Houston? If they are unwilling to, is there any scenario where the Suns would pull Durant from the market and attempt to bring him back into the fold for the 2025-26 season? The next move seemingly belongs to the Suns, owner Mat Ishbia, and new general manager Brian Gregory, and the career-closing fate of a future Hall of Famer likely hangs in the balance. Durant turns 37 years old in September, which means that his next NBA team could perhaps be his last. Rafael Stone, general manager of the Rockets, would love for that team to be his — but on terms that work for both short- and long-term interests. More: Jake Fischer: Rockets might be Kevin Durant's top trade preference
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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
