Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns Remain Most Likely Destination Amid Deandre Ayton Questions

The Phoenix Suns are still the frontrunners in the Kevin Durant Sweepstakes. Even though there is currently no traction in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets, NBA insiders continue to pick Phoenix as the NBA superstar’s most likely landing spot.

The Suns were reported to be Durant’s preferred destination when he asked for a trade at the start of free agency, and that hasn’t changed. ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on “Get Up” Friday that Phoenix is by far No. 1 on Durant’s wish list.

When asked to predict Durant’s team for the 2022-2023 NBA season, Lowe, along with ESPN reporters Brian Windhorst and Nick Friedell, all picked the Suns.

There have been suggestions in recent days that Brooklyn might reverse course and choose to keep both Durant and Kyrie Irving to start next season. Once odds-on betting favorites to acquire Durant at DraftKings Sportsbook, the Suns now have +110 odds to pull off a blockbuster trade.

Deandre Ayton has been viewed as the centerpiece of a potential deal between the Suns and Nets. Brooklyn reportedly hasn't shown an interest in accepting such an offer. Amid rumors that the Indiana Pacers might try to sign Ayton in free agency, the Suns could soon run out of time to put Ayton in a trade package.

Phoenix might still be able to put together an offer that is comparable to what other teams are willing to trade for Durant. The Suns can offer Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and four first-round draft picks. Phoenix can try to get a third team involved in order for Brooklyn to receive another player in the deal.

Star players who demand trades usually end up with their preferred destination. James Harden steered his way to Brooklyn in 2021, and he forced his way to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this year. Three years ago, Anthony Davis ended up with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team atop his wish list when he asked for a trade.

The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat are considered to be among the top contenders for Durant, but it doesn't appear that either team has made a trade offer that has interested the Nets.