NBA Trade Buzz: Warriors Eye Shocking Kevin Durant Reunion!

As we approach the NBA trade deadline this Thursday, here’s the latest updates and speculation from around the league.

Could Kevin Durant Be Traded?

Although unable to secure a trade for Jimmy Butler as of yet, the Phoenix Suns are seemingly more willing to entertain trade offers for former MVP Kevin Durant. Despite a solid performance in January with a record of 10–5, the Suns are currently positioned eighth in the Western Conference, narrowly maintaining a lead over the Golden State Warriors in 11th place. Phoenix’s defense has seen some improvement but still ranks in the lower third of the league. Durant himself is having a fantastic season, averaging 26.9 points and hitting 40.5% of his three-point attempts, yet the Suns’ offense remains average.

The Golden State Warriors are particularly keen on bringing Durant back, according to two league sources who spoke to Sports Illustrated. They believe reuniting him with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green could provide the necessary boost for a strong season finish. The Warriors are exploring various strategies to prolong their championship potential with Curry and Green.

The key factor is Durant’s own wishes. At 36, Durant has another season left on his contract worth $55 million, with the possibility to sign a two-year extension worth $120 million this summer. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed his willingness to offer this extension, although this was before the team’s ongoing struggles. Any potential trade would need Durant’s approval, as no team would trade away significant assets without his consent.

The Suns are still pursuing Jimmy Butler, aiming to create a powerful trio with Butler, Durant, and Devin Booker. If a deal for Butler doesn’t materialize, they may shift their focus to other possibilities.

Updates from Across the League

• The Houston Rockets are maintaining a very strategic approach to the trade deadline. As one of the season’s most surprising teams, they are not looking to negotiate trades involving any of their key young players. According to one executive, “Unless you’re talking about Booker, they’re not interested.”
• The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly asking for two first-round picks in exchange for Cam Johnson, a versatile wing player. Johnson, a valued player by team owner Joe Tsai, is performing well, making 41.9% of his three-point attempts and averaging a career-high of 7.6 attempts per game. The asking price may decrease as the deadline approaches. At 28, Johnson is considered young enough to be a foundational piece for Brooklyn’s future.
• The Milwaukee Bucks have shown interest in Kyle Kuzma, a forward currently with the Washington Wizards.
• Following a major trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, both teams are actively seeking additional improvements before the deadline. Dallas is focusing on adding depth at the wing position, while the Lakers are looking to strengthen their frontcourt in the absence of Anthony Davis.