Kevin Durant Rumors

[FNG]

The Suns are "hopeful" Kevin Durant reconsiders and wants to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

I think the reporting is clear enough to tell us three things. First, the Wolves have put the best offer on the table by far. Second, Durant doesn’t want to come to the Wolves. Third, the Wolves will only do the deal if they can sign Durant to a multi-year extension. This last point is clear because Durant not wanting to go to the Wolves would not stop the Suns from making the trade. It’s obviously, the Wolves who are insisting on an extension as a condition of doing the deal.

I’m certain TC has an offer on the table I’m going to hate. TC’s proving to be a sucker for big name stars and adept at negotiating against himself. The Suns are intent on offloading Durant. There’s absolutely no chance they’re going to keep him. And the other teams are responding appropriately with what are likely very modest offers. Leave it to TC to offer picks and young prospects like Dilly and/or TSJ. Hope I’m wrong, but the reporting speaks for itself. The Suns really want to take our offer and Durant’s aversion to coming to the Wolves is the only thing standing in the way.

Lip, in terms of your three points, I think your first one is true, the second one is almost for sure true, and I differ on the third. TC is too savvy to agree to a long-term deal if he has any fears of getting a disgruntled KD...and we all know what that looks like. I saw it first hand when I went to the Wolves game in Phoenix last season and watched a Durant who had absolutely no interest in closing out on his man in the corner...it was disgraceful. KD wants to go somewhere else, but the Suns are going to trade him to the team that gives him the best return. And since KD seems to be in it for the money these days, he might sign a 3-year deal just to get the money and then mail in his performance for three years. That would be devastating for this franchise. But again, I don't think TC is dumb, and it would be dumb to sign a late 30s player to a three year deal an an exorbitant price if he's concerned about his attitude. That's why I think a deal isn't going to happen, and I'll be fine with that.

[Lipoli390]

The Suns are "hopeful" Kevin Durant reconsiders and wants to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

I think the reporting is clear enough to tell us three things. First, the Wolves have put the best offer on the table by far. Second, Durant doesn’t want to come to the Wolves. Third, the Wolves will only do the deal if they can sign Durant to a multi-year extension. This last point is clear because Durant not wanting to go to the Wolves would not stop the Suns from making the trade. It’s obviously, the Wolves who are insisting on an extension as a condition of doing the deal.

I’m certain TC has an offer on the table I’m going to hate. TC’s proving to be a sucker for big name stars and adept at negotiating against himself. The Suns are intent on offloading Durant. There’s absolutely no chance they’re going to keep him. And the other teams are responding appropriately with what are likely very modest offers. Leave it to TC to offer picks and young prospects like Dilly and/or TSJ. Hope I’m wrong, but the reporting speaks for itself. The Suns really want to take our offer and Durant’s aversion to coming to the Wolves is the only thing standing in the way.

Lip, in terms of your three points, I think your first one is true, the second one is almost for sure true, and I differ on the third. TC is too savvy to agree to a long-term deal if he has any fears of getting a disgruntled KD...and we all know what that looks like. I saw it first hand when I went to the Wolves game in Phoenix last season and watched a Durant who had absolutely no interest in closing out on his man in the corner...it was disgraceful. KD wants to go somewhere else, but the Suns are going to trade him to the team that gives him the best return. And since KD seems to be in it for the money these days, he might sign a 3-year deal just to get the money and then mail in his performance for three years. That would be devastating for this franchise. But again, I don't think TC is dumb, and it would be dumb to sign a late 30s player to a three year deal an an exorbitant price if he's concerned about his attitude. That's why I think a deal isn't going to happen, and I'll be fine with that.

Here’s why I think I’m right on point #3. If the Wolves were willing to trade for Durant without an extension I think the deal would have happened by now because Durant’s preference to go elsewhere wouldn’t matter. The only thing Durant can do to prevent a trade to MN is refuse to sign an extension and that only works if the Wolves are insisting on an extension. My sense is that TC wants Durant here for several years to get full value from him - especially after giving up what will probably be some longer-term assets like picks and young players. I think you’re giving TC way too much credit. I think he has a great eye for young talent and creates a terrific culture. Those are his strengths. I don’t think he’s dumb but I don’t think he’s particularly savvy either.

[Monster]

The Suns are "hopeful" Kevin Durant reconsiders and wants to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

I think the reporting is clear enough to tell us three things. First, the Wolves have put the best offer on the table by far. Second, Durant doesn’t want to come to the Wolves. Third, the Wolves will only do the deal if they can sign Durant to a multi-year extension. This last point is clear because Durant not wanting to go to the Wolves would not stop the Suns from making the trade. It’s obviously, the Wolves who are insisting on an extension as a condition of doing the deal.

I’m certain TC has an offer on the table I’m going to hate. TC’s proving to be a sucker for big name stars and adept at negotiating against himself. The Suns are intent on offloading Durant. There’s absolutely no chance they’re going to keep him. And the other teams are responding appropriately with what are likely very modest offers. Leave it to TC to offer picks and young prospects like Dilly and/or TSJ. Hope I’m wrong, but the reporting speaks for itself. The Suns really want to take our offer and Durant’s aversion to coming to the Wolves is the only thing standing in the way.

Lip, in terms of your three points, I think your first one is true, the second one is almost for sure true, and I differ on the third. TC is too savvy to agree to a long-term deal if he has any fears of getting a disgruntled KD...and we all know what that looks like. I saw it first hand when I went to the Wolves game in Phoenix last season and watched a Durant who had absolutely no interest in closing out on his man in the corner...it was disgraceful. KD wants to go somewhere else, but the Suns are going to trade him to the team that gives him the best return. And since KD seems to be in it for the money these days, he might sign a 3-year deal just to get the money and then mail in his performance for three years. That would be devastating for this franchise. But again, I don't think TC is dumb, and it would be dumb to sign a late 30s player to a three year deal an an exorbitant price if he's concerned about his attitude. That's why I think a deal isn't going to happen, and I'll be fine with that.

Here’s why I think I’m right on point #3. If the Wolves were willing to trade for Durant without an extension I think the deal would have happened by now because Durant’s preference to go elsewhere wouldn’t matter. The only thing Durant can do to prevent a trade to MN is refuse to sign an extension and that only works if the Wolves are insisting on an extension. My sense is that TC wants Durant here for several years to get full value from him - especially after giving up what will probably be some longer-term assets like picks and young players. I think you’re giving TC way too much credit. I think he has a great eye for young talent and creates a terrific culture. Those are his strengths. I don’t think he’s dumb but I don’t think he’s particularly savvy either.

I read the entire article on the Athletic. What I took out of it was that nobody really has ponied up what the Suns want including the Wolves. The article said the Suns liked the Wolves offer because it offered the most ready to help of the offers. That's not surprising Randle or Rudy would help them and one of those guys has to be in the offer.

The reports of the Wolves not going all in if Durant isn't is interesting but not surprising. Quite frankly it's hard to nail down how long Durant is all in on any team. I really don't know what kind of bidding war will be for Durant.

Let's say the Suns want a save face and still compete trade. It would possibly look a lot like the deal the Wolves did for Towns or to some extent the Luka trade. The Suns don't really have a PF so Randle as a good player now would make some sense there. They could add Donte and also some sort of draft pick and/or young player. To me Randle actually fits with their guards since they are good shooters and Richard's is a solid youngish center. Maybe the Wolves are hesitating on even doing what I suggested or maybe looking to find a way to add value to the deal with a sign and trade of NAW (who then might go to another team) and a different player and or asset to the Suns.

If Durant is available i would make the call and see what the Suns were looking for. Maybe one reason the Wolves are continuing to call is that the Suns like something they are willing to move like Randle... Or maybe it's Gobert. What if it was Gobert and the Wolves got Richards back in return? Connelly seems to have gotten value back in deals including the Towns deal so I have more confidence in him making a deal than Lip is. I still can't belive he got the pick for Dillingham for what could end up being 1 future first round pick.

[Lipoli390]

Lip, in terms of your three points, I think your first one is true, the second one is almost for sure true, and I differ on the third. TC is too savvy to agree to a long-term deal if he has any fears of getting a disgruntled KD...and we all know what that looks like. I saw it first hand when I went to the Wolves game in Phoenix last season and watched a Durant who had absolutely no interest in closing out on his man in the corner...it was disgraceful. KD wants to go somewhere else, but the Suns are going to trade him to the team that gives him the best return. And since KD seems to be in it for the money these days, he might sign a 3-year deal just to get the money and then mail in his performance for three years. That would be devastating for this franchise. But again, I don't think TC is dumb, and it would be dumb to sign a late 30s player to a three year deal an an exorbitant price if he's concerned about his attitude. That's why I think a deal isn't going to happen, and I'll be fine with that.

Here’s why I think I’m right on point #3. If the Wolves were willing to trade for Durant without an extension I think the deal would have happened by now because Durant’s preference to go elsewhere wouldn’t matter. The only thing Durant can do to prevent a trade to MN is refuse to sign an extension and that only works if the Wolves are insisting on an extension. My sense is that TC wants Durant here for several years to get full value from him - especially after giving up what will probably be some longer-term assets like picks and young players. I think you’re giving TC way too much credit. I think he has a great eye for young talent and creates a terrific culture. Those are his strengths. I don’t think he’s dumb but I don’t think he’s particularly savvy either.

I read the entire article on the Athletic. What I took out of it was that nobody really has ponied up what the Suns want including the Wolves. The article said the Suns liked the Wolves offer because it offered the most ready to help of the offers. That's not surprising Randle or Rudy would help them and one of those guys has to be in the offer.

The reports of the Wolves not going all in if Durant isn't is interesting but not surprising. Quite frankly it's hard to nail down how long Durant is all in on any team. I really don't know what kind of bidding war will be for Durant.

Let's say the Suns want a save face and still compete trade. It would possibly look a lot like the deal the Wolves did for Towns or to some extent the Luka trade. The Suns don't really have a PF so Randle as a good player now would make some sense there. They could add Donte and also some sort of draft pick and/or young player. To me Randle actually fits with their guards since they are good shooters and Richard's is a solid youngish center. Maybe the Wolves are hesitating on even doing what I suggested or maybe looking to find a way to add value to the deal with a sign and trade of NAW (who then might go to another team) and a different player and or asset to the Suns.

If Durant is available i would make the call and see what the Suns were looking for. Maybe one reason the Wolves are continuing to call is that the Suns like something they are willing to move like Randle... Or maybe it's Gobert. What if it was Gobert and the Wolves got Richards back in return? Connelly seems to have gotten value back in deals including the Towns deal so I have more confidence in him making a deal than Lip is. I still can't belive he got the pick for Dillingham for what could end up being 1 future first round pick.

I hope you’re right, Monster, and I wish I had your confidence. There’s no realistic trade for Durant that I’d like.

[Monster]

Here’s why I think I’m right on point #3. If the Wolves were willing to trade for Durant without an extension I think the deal would have happened by now because Durant’s preference to go elsewhere wouldn’t matter. The only thing Durant can do to prevent a trade to MN is refuse to sign an extension and that only works if the Wolves are insisting on an extension. My sense is that TC wants Durant here for several years to get full value from him - especially after giving up what will probably be some longer-term assets like picks and young players. I think you’re giving TC way too much credit. I think he has a great eye for young talent and creates a terrific culture. Those are his strengths. I don’t think he’s dumb but I don’t think he’s particularly savvy either.

I read the entire article on the Athletic. What I took out of it was that nobody really has ponied up what the Suns want including the Wolves. The article said the Suns liked the Wolves offer because it offered the most ready to help of the offers. That's not surprising Randle or Rudy would help them and one of those guys has to be in the offer.

The reports of the Wolves not going all in if Durant isn't is interesting but not surprising. Quite frankly it's hard to nail down how long Durant is all in on any team. I really don't know what kind of bidding war will be for Durant.

Let's say the Suns want a save face and still compete trade. It would possibly look a lot like the deal the Wolves did for Towns or to some extent the Luka trade. The Suns don't really have a PF so Randle as a good player now would make some sense there. They could add Donte and also some sort of draft pick and/or young player. To me Randle actually fits with their guards since they are good shooters and Richard's is a solid youngish center. Maybe the Wolves are hesitating on even doing what I suggested or maybe looking to find a way to add value to the deal with a sign and trade of NAW (who then might go to another team) and a different player and or asset to the Suns.

If Durant is available i would make the call and see what the Suns were looking for. Maybe one reason the Wolves are continuing to call is that the Suns like something they are willing to move like Randle... Or maybe it's Gobert. What if it was Gobert and the Wolves got Richards back in return? Connelly seems to have gotten value back in deals including the Towns deal so I have more confidence in him making a deal than Lip is. I still can't belive he got the pick for Dillingham for what could end up being 1 future first round pick.

I hope you’re right, Monster, and I wish I had your confidence. There’s no realistic trade for Durant that I’d like.

To be fair Lip you legit hate Durant. I'm not knocking your position but I think that's a reality and there are some legit reasons for your stance. I'm definitely not beating the drum to acquire him but I think it makes sense to see what it would take to get him. I'm definitely not bending over backwards to get him and also doing that to make him happy once he gets here. Let's remember we don't really know what the Suns want for sure the people in charge of making the basketball decisions have little to no track record. It does seem likely they would look for more immediate help than just a slew of draft picks since there has been no talk of trading Booker and Beal isn't going anywhere...because nobody is gonna take on that contract. Teams might be trying to pull one over on those guys. James Jones is still around the organization but ownership seems likely to have a very strong voice there.

I'll say this there are some trade packages I might be OK with giving up that even if it's just one year of Durant. Yes that might mean giving up a reasonably valuable draft pick or young player but that might allow the Wolves to spend on some FAs in 2026 which to some extent they may be able to do if they don't commit long term to anyone else anyways but yeah.

Another sense I have gotten is Durant isn't looking to take some significant pay cut on the next contract. That's not terribly surprising and based on his last season I don't entirely blame him. He was still a pretty good player. Still if he is planning to make 50-60 million beyond the upcoming season that's gonna give teams pause. Meanwhile the Suns are months away from potentially losing him for nothing. That won't happen but it's a possible outcome. They don't have the most leverage but Durant is still a player they can get a plenty useful return from. I mean part of me is like...just blow that team up and get whatever you can from moving everyone. That's a tough call though and why I kinda doubt Memphis does it.

[Lipoli390]

I read the entire article on the Athletic. What I took out of it was that nobody really has ponied up what the Suns want including the Wolves. The article said the Suns liked the Wolves offer because it offered the most ready to help of the offers. That's not surprising Randle or Rudy would help them and one of those guys has to be in the offer.

The reports of the Wolves not going all in if Durant isn't is interesting but not surprising. Quite frankly it's hard to nail down how long Durant is all in on any team. I really don't know what kind of bidding war will be for Durant.

Let's say the Suns want a save face and still compete trade. It would possibly look a lot like the deal the Wolves did for Towns or to some extent the Luka trade. The Suns don't really have a PF so Randle as a good player now would make some sense there. They could add Donte and also some sort of draft pick and/or young player. To me Randle actually fits with their guards since they are good shooters and Richard's is a solid youngish center. Maybe the Wolves are hesitating on even doing what I suggested or maybe looking to find a way to add value to the deal with a sign and trade of NAW (who then might go to another team) and a different player and or asset to the Suns.

If Durant is available i would make the call and see what the Suns were looking for. Maybe one reason the Wolves are continuing to call is that the Suns like something they are willing to move like Randle... Or maybe it's Gobert. What if it was Gobert and the Wolves got Richards back in return? Connelly seems to have gotten value back in deals including the Towns deal so I have more confidence in him making a deal than Lip is. I still can't belive he got the pick for Dillingham for what could end up being 1 future first round pick.

I hope you’re right, Monster, and I wish I had your confidence. There’s no realistic trade for Durant that I’d like.

To be fair Lip you legit hate Durant. I'm not knocking your position but I think that's a reality and there are some legit reasons for your stance. I'm definitely not beating the drum to acquire him but I think it makes sense to see what it would take to get him. I'm definitely not bending over backwards to get him and also doing that to make him happy once he gets here. Let's remember we don't really know what the Suns want for sure the people in charge of making the basketball decisions have little to no track record. It does seem likely they would look for more immediate help than just a slew of draft picks since there has been no talk of trading Booker and Beal isn't going anywhere...because nobody is gonna take on that contract. Teams might be trying to pull one over on those guys. James Jones is still around the organization but ownership seems likely to have a very strong voice there.

I'll say this there are some trade packages I might be OK with giving up that even if it's just one year of Durant. Yes that might mean giving up a reasonably valuable draft pick or young player but that might allow the Wolves to spend on some FAs in 2026 which to some extent they may be able to do if they don't commit long term to anyone else anyways but yeah.

Another sense I have gotten is Durant isn't looking to take some significant pay cut on the next contract. That's not terribly surprising and based on his last season I don't entirely blame him. He was still a pretty good player. Still if he is planning to make 50-60 million beyond the upcoming season that's gonna give teams pause. Meanwhile the Suns are months away from potentially losing him for nothing. That won't happen but it's a possible outcome. They don't have the most leverage but Durant is still a player they can get a plenty useful return from. I mean part of me is like...just blow that team up and get whatever you can from moving everyone. That's a tough call though and why I kinda doubt Memphis does it.

Actually Monster, I don’t hate Durant and I’ve acknowledged repeatedly that he’s still a great scorer. I just hate giving up valuable assets to get him. If he were a free agent and we had the cap space to sign him like the Warriors did around 8 or 9 years ago, I’d be all in on pursuing him. And if we could just trade Randle one-on-one for Durant, I’d be OK with that as well although I’d prefer offering Randle in a package for someone like Derrick White or Bam Adebayo. But I can’t imagine a realistic trade for Durant that wouldn’t give up way too much for what we’d be getting in the Durant of today.

Of course, I’d make the call to see what the Suns want for Durant. TC’s obviously done that and apparently put an offer on the table. I’m sure I’d have the same reaction to the Suns’ answer that the other three teams have apparently had - something like: “Are you kidding me? You want that for Durant?”

[Crazysauce]

Twitter circling a rumor our offer was Gobert Donte Rob and/or TSJ and 17 for Durant. This seriously can't be our offer can it? This has to be Phoenix putting this out to drive up other offers cause TC would need to be on something to do this trade. Honestly (Gobert or Randle) and Divencenzo should be more than enough for Durant. Take it or leave it. I will be sick if we trade TSJ or Rob in this deal

[TheFuture]

There is no damn reason to offer up for Durant. The Suns have zero leverage, TC would be negotiating against himself and, and I don't want him here anyways. He has not made any team better that he had forced himself to. Durant just admitted he pushed the Suns FO to go acquire Beal, which made zero sense and hamstrung the team’s ability to make any other moves, oh and after getting his way whi ch ended terribly, he is now forcing himself out ... AGAIN. I do not want him around Ant, Jaden, or any of our other young guys. The Wolves have been to two straight WCF and have finally built a culture/identity for the first time in our history. So now the idea is to blow holes in our current team, and sacrifice more of our future assets??? Trade Gobert and our defense surely takes three steps back. Trade one or two of our rookies from last year who show promise, and give up our #17 pick this year that we lucked into? Get older and add someone who wants a max extension, when Gobert and Randle are both younger and each are on half the $? Where do we find a Center? They don't grow on trees, and we would have no $ to pay one anyways. How about TC just keeps adding talent that actually will be here when Ant, Jaden, Dilly, TSJ, Clark, Naz will be in their prime? If he is bored and wants to make a trade to make a trade, then look elsewhere and see what level of PG or C you can get with a combo of the likes of Randle, DDV, #17, #31. Not Durant. It would be idiotic.

[rapsuperstar31]

Twitter circling a rumor our offer was Gobert Donte Rob and/or TSJ and 17 for Durant. This seriously can't be our offer can it? This has to be Phoenix putting this out to drive up other offers cause TC would need to be on something to do this trade. Honestly (Gobert or Randle) and Divencenzo should be more than enough for Durant. Take it or leave it. I will be sick if we trade TSJ or Rob in this deal

I doubt our offer includes TSJ but I would definitely take 17 out of it with the other weak offers Phoenix is getting elsewhere. Gobert and Dotne or Randle and Donte isn't enough money so it either needs to include either Rob or Mike to it.

[Crazysauce]

Honestly I think it's best to not go after Durant. I don't want to include Rob. The most we should deal is Gobert and Donte. If we have to add in Randle as well for cap reasons then we better get back Claxton. Otherwise I think we need to back out. I don't even want to give up 17 as I really want a chance at Sorber.