PHOENIX – ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania first reported that six to eight teams were interested in Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, with the top three-four contenders being the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. However, the Toronto Raptors have become a sneaky team to look out for with Arizona Sports John Gambadoro reporting the team’s offer for Durant being a strong one to consider.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) passes the ball past Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Raptors offer for Durant:
Suns receive:
- RJ Barrett
- Immanuel Quickley
- Jakob Poeltl
- 9th overall pick
Raptors receive:
- Kevin Durant
Nov 29, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Gambadoro was strongly against the deal saying he “hated” the package for Durant. However, the offer is more than fair with the Suns getting three starting-caliber players and a top-10 pick in this year’s draft. The three returning players all address different issues for Phoenix.
Poeltl is one of the best and affordable defensive centers in the league and fills a massive whole on the Suns roster for its interior defense. Quickley is a dynamic playmaker and shot creator and would alleviate the pressure on Devin Booker from having to be the sole initiator offensively. Barrett is a walking 20-5-5 player that shoots 35% from the 3-point line on 5.3 attempts.
Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) drives to the basket between Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Bal (3) and center Nick Richards (2) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Barrett and Quickley are 25 and 26 years old respectively and fit the timeline for Booker’s prime years, while adding another lottery prospect could be an instant impact player alongside the trio. This potential package for Durant isn’t flashy but it gives the Suns and Booker its best chance to be competitive next season and the foreseeable future afterwards.
Suns underwhelmed with Kevin Durant trade offers from Rockets, Spurs and Heat
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
