The Phoenix Suns are not actively looking to trade Kevin Durant this summer, but the franchise may be forced to consider all options as it navigates the financial constraints of the second apron, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“Do the Suns want to trade Kevin Durant this summer? No, not really,” Windhorst reported Monday. “But the reality is that the Suns’ pathways of getting out of the second apron—to ensure they have flexibility—all seem to lead to Durant.”
Durant, 36, remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on 52.7% shooting from the field, including 43.0% from three-point range in 62 starts this season. He is under contract for one more season, carrying a $54.7 million cap hit for 2025–26 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Despite Durant’s production, Phoenix is facing a disappointing season. It is 35-43 and 11th in the Western Conference. If the current standings hold, the Suns would miss the postseason entirely despite a roster built around Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns reportedly held exploratory trade conversations with multiple teams ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, including the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs.
While Durant made it clear then that he did not want to be traded, Windhorst noted that the groundwork laid in February “is likely to lead to action this summer.”
According to Windhorst, the Suns were seeking a “massive haul” in return, which was one of the main reasons no deal materialized. But with Phoenix restricted by second apron penalties—limiting flexibility in trades, signings, and roster movement—a Durant deal could be the franchise’s only path forward.
The Suns acquired Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. Since then, the team has failed to meet expectations, falling short in the 2023 playoffs and now facing the possibility of missing the 2025 postseason altogether.
While Phoenix remains reluctant to part with the 14-time All-Star, the summer could bring renewed trade talks, especially if rival teams ramp up their interest and the Suns prioritize long-term flexibility over a final push with their current core.
