At least six NBA teams are expected to compete for Kevin Durant, with the Lakers among them.
As the Phoenix Suns’ situation worsens, the likelihood of Durant playing his final season with the team continues to rise. With speculation growing about his potential availability, several top NBA teams are preparing to make a push for the star forward.
According to a league source via *Hoops Wire*, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat are all expected to pursue a trade for Durant this offseason.
Phoenix’s struggles, coupled with Durant’s reported tension with head coach Mike Budenholzer, have fueled speculation that the team may look to rebuild around Devin Booker. The question now is which team will ultimately land the two-time NBA champion.
The Lakers, currently second in the Western Conference, could significantly benefit from acquiring Durant, who is averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season. His presence alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić could provide the team with an additional shot creator and floor-spacer to strengthen their championship aspirations.
Miami is another possible destination, given Durant’s well-documented respect for the franchise. His mentality aligns with the Heat’s culture, and while they may not be title favorites, adding him could restore their relevance following the Jimmy Butler drama.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks could reunite Durant with Kyrie Irving. After trading Dončić at the deadline, Dallas is in win-now mode and sees Durant as a potential game-changer for a deep playoff run.
In San Antonio, the Spurs are steadily improving with Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to return from a blood clot issue next season. Pairing him with Durant could ease the young star’s development and elevate the team’s competitive ceiling.
The Rockets, sitting at 37-25, are on a better trajectory than the Spurs but still lack a true superstar. Bringing in Durant would give them a veteran leader to complement their young core, including Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson.
As for the Timberwolves, they previously attempted to trade for Durant and could revisit those efforts. Durant and Anthony Edwards built a strong connection during the Olympics, and there is speculation that their bond could play a role in Minnesota’s pursuit of the superstar.
The Timberwolves are committed to building a championship-caliber team around Edwards. At 35-29 and currently seventh in the West, they are fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament. A move for Durant could provide the missing piece they need to reassert themselves as contenders.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently mentioned Minnesota as a team to watch, noting that Edwards and Durant have a close relationship from their time together on Team USA. Reports also suggest that the Wolves attempted to execute a blockbuster trade for Durant at the deadline and could re-engage in talks this summer.
After trading franchise center Karl-Anthony Towns before the season, the Wolves are in a precarious position. Though they reached the Western Conference Finals last year, they now face uncertainty about their postseason chances. Acquiring Durant could not only improve their title hopes but also ensure Edwards remains committed to the franchise long-term.
Of course, landing Durant won’t be easy. With multiple teams expected to pursue him, his trade value will be high, and Phoenix will likely demand a significant return. This offseason, the race for Durant could be one of the biggest storylines in the NBA.
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