NBA Insider Reveals Major Development In Kevin Durant Trade Rumors

The sun has seemingly set on a potential blockbuster NBA trade.

On Wednesday afternoon, AZ Central Phoenix Suns reporter Duane Rankin revealed that the team isn't "looking to trade Kevin Durant and the Suns are 'riding' with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Durant."

Late Tuesday evening, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Rockets were interested in pursuing a trade for Durant. On Wednesday morning's "Get Up," NBA insider Brian Windhorst shared that the Rockets could potentially trade center Alperen Sengun for the two-time NBA Finals MVP, depending on their pick at No. 3 overall in the NBA Draft.

During "First Take," Stephen A. Smith said, "Pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now."

Rankin's report throws cold water on those reports and sets Phoenix up to build around its All-Star trio.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor wrote on X, "This is the best approach... If things sour then offers would still be there for KD, just like they were for the Nets mid-year."

On Feb. 9, 2023 , the Suns acquired Durant and forward T.J. Warren from the Nets for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029) and a 2028 pick swap.

Durant played only eight games with the Suns in 2022-23 but started 75 times in 2023-24, his most since 2018-19. He averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists per game.

The Suns finished the 2023-24 season 49-33, sixth in the Western Conference, and were swept by the Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.