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[Saba Sports News] Kevin Durant is being highly selective as the Phoenix Suns continue exploring trade options ahead of the NBA Draft — and he’s already shut down at least one potential destination.
According to Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm, the Minnesota Timberwolves attempted to orchestrate a three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets to land Durant. However, the deal fell apart after Durant reportedly “sent out word that he doesn’t want to play there.”
That aligns with a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier this week, which also stated that Durant has no interest in joining Minnesota.
Although Durant doesn’t have a formal no-trade clause in his contract, he holds significant leverage. With just one year remaining on his deal — worth $54.7 million — Durant can effectively steer trade talks by refusing to commit to an extension with teams he’s not interested in. Most franchises are unwilling to trade major assets for a player who might leave in free agency after just one season.
The Timberwolves, fresh off a run to the Western Conference Finals, were arguably the most competitive team linked to Durant so far. But their playoff success wasn’t enough to sway the 36-year-old star.
Durant is reportedly open to signing an extension with only three teams, which continues to limit Phoenix’s leverage in trade discussions. The Suns are hoping to move him before next week’s NBA Draft, but as long as Durant keeps a short list of preferred destinations, it could be difficult to strike a deal.
Still, with the draft approaching fast, the possibility of an unexpected outcome remains in play for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.