The Phoenix Suns are widely expected to trade Kevin Durant this summer, and a market is starting to take shape for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
The Suns have met with Durant’s business partner Rich Kleiman multiple times over the past week to discuss potential trade scenarios, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday. The goal for the two sides is to work together to find a suitable destination for Durant.
Several teams have expressed interest in Durant, but Charania lists five that have been most involved in the discussions. Those teams are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. Other teams have also reached out to the Suns.
Durant is set to make $54.7 million in the final year of his deal next season. He will be eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $112 million if he signs a new deal this summer. If Durant were to wait six months after being traded, he would become eligible for a two-year deal worth up to $124 million.
Given that he will turn 37 in September and has dealt with a major injury in his career, Durant might prefer to sign the extension as soon as possible. That could become a factor in trade discussions.
Durant continued to play at an elite level this season with 26.6 points per game. There have been rumblings that he has his eye on one specific Western Conference team, but he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.
If Durant wants to play for a contender and sign a contract extension, he may not have his choice of teams. As of now, the Suns seem like they are going to do their best to accommodate him.
