According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Kevin Durant’s exit from the Phoenix Suns will likely be expedited once the team’s season comes to an official end. As the Suns spiral toward either a first-round sweep or missing the playoffs altogether, Durant is expected to be the first major piece to move in what could be a dramatic offseason overhaul.
It’s no secret: the Suns, once seen as championship contenders, have fallen far short of expectations. Durant, who was the subject of trade rumors back in the winter, stayed put at the time—but only under the assumption that the team’s fortunes might change. They haven’t.
Shams Charania Confirms: “Changes Start With Durant”
Charania, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, all but confirmed Durant’s impending departure:
“Barring a final miracle, there will be changes,” Charania said. “And as far as the roster is concerned, they start with Kevin Durant.”
Despite some late-season optimism that Phoenix could find a way forward with Durant, the prevailing belief now is that the team will move on and that the star forward is ready for a new chapter.
Five Teams on Durant’s Shortlist
Charania also shared a list of five teams reportedly on Durant’s radar:
New York Knicks: Long linked to Durant, the Knicks were expected to land him in 2019 before he chose Brooklyn. His off-court business is based in New York, keeping them in the conversation.
Miami Heat: Miami has made repeated attempts to acquire Durant, including a notable push this past February involving Jimmy Butler. The deal fell through due to complications with Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause.
Houston Rockets: With a stockpile of draft picks and rising stars, Houston is an ideal partner for a potential trade. The connection to Texas, where Durant played college ball, adds to the appeal.
San Antonio Spurs: The opportunity to join Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox could be too good to pass up. A move here would vault San Antonio into the title conversation.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Minnesota offers a competitive core, though salary-matching and asset depth could be hurdles in making a trade happen.
These destinations aren’t new—they’ve all been linked to Durant in the past or are attractive for basketball and personal reasons.
Durant’s Legacy: Still Elite at 37
Durant, who turns 37 before next season, continues to defy age and injuries. This season, amid a disjointed Suns campaign, he has still averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
If traded, it would mark Durant’s fifth team in the NBA, following his impactful runs with the Thunder, Warriors (where he won two titles and two Finals MVPs), Nets, and Suns.
Phoenix’s Superteam: An Expensive Disaster
The Suns built one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history, centered around Durant, Booker, and Beal. On paper, it looked like a contender. In practice, it’s been a disaster.
Last season ended in a 4–0 sweep at the hands of the Timberwolves. This season might not even reach the playoffs. With the team struggling to secure a play-in spot, the dream of contention has evaporated—and with it, the need to rethink everything.
Kevin Durant’s departure won’t just be another trade—it will symbolize the end of a failed era in Phoenix. And for several contenders and rebuilders alike, it could be the beginning of something big.
