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Kevin Durant (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The NBA offseason is heating up, and one of the biggest storylines is Kevin Durant’s future. After a disappointing playoff run with the Phoenix Suns, trade rumors are swirling, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a potential landing spot.
According to ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, a blockbuster trade could send Durant to Minnesota, pairing him with rising star Anthony Edwards. The proposed deal would shake up both teams’ rosters and give the Timberwolves a legitimate championship contender.
Proposed Trade Details
The hypothetical trade outlined by Marks would involve multiple players and picks:
Timberwolves receive:
- Kevin Durant
Suns receive:
- Rudy Gobert - Donte DiVincenzo - Mike Conley - 2025 1st-round pick (17th overall) This trade would address key needs for both teams.
The Suns, struggling to find a long-term solution at center, would get Gobert—a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. DiVincenzo adds depth as a reliable two-way player, while Conley’s expiring contract helps Phoenix clear future cap space. For Minnesota, acquiring Durant would be a franchise-altering move.
How the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Lineup Would Look
Former NBA player hints at Kevin Durant's next stop amidst ongoing trade rumors (Image Credit: Getty Images)
If the trade goes through, Minnesota’s starting five could look like this:
PG | Terrance Shannon Jr. |
SG | Anthony Edwards |
SF | Kevin Durant |
PF | Julius Randle |
C | Naz Reid |
This lineup assumes Randle and Reid return (both have player options).
The combination of Edwards and Durant would create one of the most dynamic scoring duos in the league. - Anthony Edwards – A rising superstar with elite scoring and athleticism. - Kevin Durant – A proven champion and one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. - Julius Randle & Naz Reid – Versatile big men who can stretch the floor. - Terrance Shannon Jr. – A promising young guard who showed flashes as a rookie. The Timberwolves would have elite scoring at every position, along with improved floor spacing and pick-and-roll versatility.
Mutual Respect Between Durant and Edwards
The chemistry between Durant and Edwards is already strong. Edwards has openly admired Durant, calling him his favorite player. "Who I look to for advice? Of course KD, that’s my favorite player of all time, anything I wanna ask I go straight to him," Edwards said last year when the two were teammates on the Olympic squad. This existing relationship could make the transition seamless, giving Minnesota a lethal offensive duo.
Challenges and Cap Considerations
While the trade is enticing, the Timberwolves face financial hurdles: - They are a first-apron team, limiting their flexibility. - Player options for Randle and Reid could impact cap space. - Integrating Durant while maintaining depth won’t be easy. Still, if Minnesota is serious about contending, this move could push them into title contention. The Timberwolves have a real shot at landing Kevin Durant. Pairing him with Anthony Edwards would instantly make them a top-tier team in the West. While the trade would cost them key pieces like Gobert and a first-round pick, the payoff could be worth it.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to acquire 6-feet-8 New Orleans Pelicans big man to support LeBron-Luka power duoAs the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Phoenix and Minnesota to see if this blockbuster deal comes to life.