Kevin Durant’s potential departure from the Phoenix Suns has quickly become the hottest storyline of the NBA offseason. A new team has quietly entered the conversation, even as several others have already emerged as frontrunners.
According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors are emerging as a surprising wild card in the Durant sweepstakes. Another report revealed that the Raptors are not only monitoring the situation closely but are reportedly open to including their 2025 NBA Draft pick in a trade package to land the former MVP.
However, the Raptors aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reports that if a deal with the Phoenix Suns for Durant ultimately falls through, the team is prepared to pivot. One of those backup options appears to be Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk.
“If a trade with the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant doesn’t end up happening, league sources tell ClutchPoints they have other targets in mind. The Raptors have demonstrated interest in acquiring Kings guard Malik Monk in a potential trade, with that interest dating back at least to February’s trade deadline,” Pursiainen reported.
“The Durant trade saga playing out will allow other pieces of the NBA offseason to fall into place. If Sacramento decides that trading Monk could potentially serve them best long term, they’ll have at least one suitor for him in Toronto,” he added.
Suns Losing Leverage In Kevin Durant Trade Talks Amid Star’s Desire To Move On
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According to a report from Duane Rankin, the Suns may soon lower their demands in trade talks involving Kevin Durant. As the Durant saga heats up this offseason, league sources suggest that Phoenix no longer holds the upper hand in negotiations and could be overplaying their position.
“The Phoenix Suns may be placing too high a value on Kevin Durant and might have to reduce their asking price in negotiating a trade, league sources inform The Arizona Republic. The Suns have ‘no leverage’ in part because of Durant’s age and because he wants to start fresh elsewhere, league sources say. The idea of Durant returning to a team that entertained deals for him before the 2025 trade deadline isn’t a pleasant one,” Rankin reported.
Durant is still one of the most skilled scorers in the NBA. But his value has inevitably shifted as he heads into the twilight years of his career. Teams are becoming more cautious when trading for older stars, particularly those with injury histories and large contracts.
