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[Saba Sports News] The Kevin Durant trade market has reportedly narrowed to a handful of teams — but his top personal choice doesn’t appear to be one of them.
Durant is entering the final year of his contract, which will pay him $54.7 million next season. Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Durant would only consider signing a long-term extension with three teams: the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets.
However, another report trimmed the list of serious suitors to the Heat, Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, casting doubt on the Spurs’ involvement.
On Monday’s episode of NBA Today on ESPN, insider Marc Spears revealed that Durant’s true preference is the New York Knicks — a team that reportedly has no interest in acquiring the 15-time All-Star.
“K.D. wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in,” Spears said. “These three teams — the Heat, Rockets, and Timberwolves — are his default options. He definitely doesn’t want to go to Minnesota.”
Spears also noted Durant and his agent, Rich Kleiman, are concerned the Phoenix Suns are overvaluing him in trade discussions.
“There’s hope that Phoenix respects Kevin’s age and works with him to find a destination, rather than trying to trade him like he’s still 31,” Spears explained. “They’re trying to get a major haul, but there’s some tension about how that’s playing out.”
Although Durant reportedly wants no part of the Timberwolves — even after their Western Conference Finals run — Minnesota could still remain in the mix if they present the most compelling offer. The bet would be that a successful season could persuade Durant to stay long-term.
Durant has been connected to the Knicks in past offseasons, though he once dismissed the idea of being the franchise’s long-awaited savior. That stance may have softened after New York’s deep playoff push this year — but even if his interest is genuine now, the feeling apparently isn’t mutual.