Kevin Durant Trade Value Expected Below Desmond Bane Deal Amid Multiple Team Interest

Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, is expected to be traded by the Phoenix Suns during the 2025 offseason, with teams such as the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs showing interest. Despite Durant's elite status and strong performance, league insiders believe his trade value has diminished significantly due to his age, contract situation, and timing, with expected draft compensation likely not exceeding the haul the Memphis Grizzlies received for Desmond Bane, a non-All-Star player. This market perception is underscored by comparisons to recent blockbuster trades, where Durant's value is considered lower than prior precedents, reflecting a hard truth about his current leverage in negotiations. Durant has expressed a preference to join the San Antonio Spurs and is reportedly willing to sign an extension with only a few teams. The Suns may need to lower their asking price in trade talks, as they currently have limited leverage. The broader NBA trade landscape, including the Magic's acquisition of Bane and challenges faced by Eastern Conference teams, contextualizes the shifting valuations and strategic moves impacting Durant's trade prospects.