The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as one of the top contenders in the race to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, who reported the update on Saturday, June 14.
Fischer noted in his Stein Line Substack newsletter that, while the situation remains fluid, Minnesota and the Miami Heat are currently seen as the two most likely destinations for Durant, based on conversations with league sources.
Although four other franchises — the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, and Toronto Raptors — are also interested in Durant, they are reportedly not as aggressive as the Timberwolves and Heat. Fischer emphasized that a move to Texas, particularly to the Spurs or Rockets, is considered appealing to Durant personally.
Durant is set to earn $54.7 million next season, the final year of his four-year, $190 million contract. He’s said to be seeking a two-year, $112 million extension, similar to the one Jimmy Butler received from the Warriors at the trade deadline. Additionally, Durant is focused on joining a title contender, not a rebuilding team, as he enters the twilight of his career.
The Timberwolves appear to be an ideal fit, having reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive years. They believe trading for Durant could be the key move that elevates them to championship status.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Minnesota made a serious push for Durant at the trade deadline. However, with both Minnesota and Phoenix operating under the second apron of the salary cap, they were unable to match salaries and complete a trade. Once the NBA’s new financial year begins in July and cap figures reset, the Timberwolves’ chances of finalizing a Durant deal improve significantly.
Speaking on the “Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst said: “It became clear how committed the Timberwolves were to trying to land Durant. They made some progress at the deadline, but the second-apron rules blocked the deal. With upcoming player decisions — like Julius Randle and Naz Reid — the Wolves are likely to move out of second-apron territory this offseason.”
If Randle chooses to opt in to his $30.9 million contract, that salary could help Minnesota balance the books in a trade. However, the Suns are reportedly looking for a center in return, which could lead to Rudy Gobert — owed $35 million next season — being included in a potential deal.
Minnesota’s Durant Vision
The Timberwolves have long dreamed of teaming up Kevin Durant with 23-year-old franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. Durant is Edwards’ favorite player, and Minnesota views him as both a veteran mentor and a high-level co-star.
Even at age 36, Durant remains elite. In what could be his final season with Phoenix, he posted averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc in 62 appearances.
That said, Miami may have the upper hand in trade assets. While the Timberwolves only possess the 17th pick in this year’s draft, the Heat can offer three first-round selections — including 2030, 2032, and the No. 20 pick this year via the Warriors in the Butler deal — potentially giving them a stronger trade package to tempt Phoenix.
