Kevin Durant categorically refuses trade to Timberwolves

Despite the Timberwolves' interest, Kevin Durant rules out Minnesota from his potential trade destinations. The Phoenix Suns star prefers Miami, Houston and San Antonio.

By@Sylvain Sultat

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Kevin Durant categorically refuses trade to Timberwolves

Photo Credit : FIBA

Kevin Durant has made it clear that he has no desire to join the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite surrounding trade rumors. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, « Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves, » he stated during an appearance on SportsCenter Monday.

This revelation comes as the Timberwolves show strong interest in the 36-year-old player. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even reports that Minnesota has been « the most aggressive » team in the pursuit of Durant.

Miami, Houston and San Antonio top preferences

Durant’s preferred destinations are quite different. Charania had previously indicated that the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs were his « preferred » teams, and that he would be willing to commit « long-term » with one of these three franchises.

Journalist Marc J. Spears confirmed this information on NBA Today, stating that « KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in. » The Knicks, with an average age of 26.9 years, seem reluctant to bet on a player almost a decade older than their current roster.

On the Suns‘ side, the franchise has « made it clear » to other front offices that they were ready to find the best available offer, « even if it means trading Durant to a team outside his preferred list. » This position could complicate negotiations, as Durant still has one year left on his $54.7 million contract and becomes eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million, starting July 6.

Despite a disappointing Suns season (36-46, missing playoffs), Durant maintained excellence with 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, along with impressive shooting percentages (52.7% FG, 43.0% 3PT). His potential pairing with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota could have been intriguing, but the interest doesn’t seem mutual.

The failure of the « Big Three » formed by Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal now pushes Phoenix toward a rebuild, with Durant as the main trade asset to reshape the roster around Booker.