Kevin Durant prefers Spurs despite Timberwolves’ interest

The Phoenix Suns are navigating troubled waters regarding Kevin Durant‘s future. According to Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the 36-year-old star prefers to be traded to the San Antonio Spurs rather than the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat or Houston Rockets.

This preference for the Spurs complicates Phoenix‘s plans, who are seeking the best possible return to maintain their immediate competitiveness. The Suns « still hope that Durant could warm up to the possibility of the Timberwolves, » while offers from the Spurs, Rockets and Heat « have proven insufficient so far. »

Out of Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destinations, he specifically wants to play for the Spurs, according to The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/gBG9cGlURa

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 17, 2025

Minnesota remains waiting despite their aggressiveness

The Timberwolves find themselves in a delicate position. Although they have been the « most aggressive » in their pursuit of Durant according to sources, Shams Charania, insider at ESPN, indicates that the superstar « has no desire to join Minnesota and play for the Timberwolves. »

Minnesota fully understands this reluctance and doesn’t want to « make a seismic change to a roster that reached the Western Conference Finals » without a change in attitude from the future Hall of Famer. The team remains aware that acquiring a player of Durant‘s caliber to pair with Anthony Edwards could be the needed boost to reach the next level.

San Antonio in strong but cautious position

Paradoxically, the Spurs, though preferred by Durant, « have been conservative in their pursuit » of the veteran. San Antonio has major assets, including the 2nd draft pick which they don’t want to trade, hoping to select Dylan Harper from Rutgers.

A trio consisting of Durant, Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox could certainly compete in a tough Western Conference. However, the Spurs seem reluctant to sacrifice their future for a player with only one year left on his contract.

The situation reminds of Kawhi Leonard‘s trade to the Toronto Raptors in 2018, despite the player’s reluctance. That transaction eventually led to an NBA title. The Timberwolves, Western Conference finalists these past two seasons, might try a similar gamble with Durant, even at the cost of their long-term future.