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Report: Kevin Durant has no desire to play for Timberwolves
Report: Kevin Durant has no desire to play for Timberwolves
While six-to-eight teams have consistently been in the mix for Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant, the four constants have been the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
It was revealed over the weekend that Durant’s three preferred destinations were the Heat, Rockets and Spurs (in no particular order) because of their willingness to extend him, though ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania cut the knife a little deeper in Minnesota’s pursuit Monday.
“I’m told Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves,” Charania said. “So how does that shape how the Minnesota Timberwolves and other teams that could have interest, that are outside of his preferred list, decide how to move forward with these Durant discussions?”
Once upon a time, Kawhi Leonard had “no desire” to play for the Toronto Raptors before he was inevitably traded there … and they won a title. This stuff is always fluid.
Whether it’s for tax reasons–Durant’s three desired destinations are in states with no income tax, while Minnesota’s does–financial reasons (will Minnesota extend him?), the weather or basketball reasons, he doesn’t want to play there.
While there are no reports of official offers, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that Phoenix is looking to maximize its return for Durant as opposed to automatically sending him to his preferred destination(s). They haven’t found a deal they have liked yet or else he would’ve been traded already.
Suns beat writer Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic confirmed that sentiment Sunday.
“While a trade seems imminent, the Suns are looking for the best possible haul in return that may involve a third team. Unlike the Doncic deal, the Suns are trying to strike a balance between finding an approved landing spot for Durant and getting the best deal possible,” Rankin’s report read. “The two sides won’t completely co-exist, but a league source informed The Republic this week that the team should always look out for its best interest even in a situation like this.
“The Rockets, Spurs and Heat each have desirable assets whether it’s players or draft picks — or both — but aren’t so willing to part ways with them as part of a deal for Durant.”
Durant, 36, averaged 26.6 points on 52.3 percent shooting, including 43.0 percent from 3-point range and 83.9 percent from the free-throw line, in addition to 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.
Durant may not be as impactful as he once was, but he can still help a team–like the Rockets or Spurs–that is one piece away. Outside of Anthony Edwards‘ interest in playing with his idol, Minnesota always felt like it had an outside chance because both are second-apron teams without any draft capital, while the Spurs and Rockets were in opposite situations.
The expectation is that a Durant trade gets done before the draft, but I’m curious to see how his market matriculates over the next several days.
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