Ultimately the Suns flipped Durant to the Houston Rockets, but the deal was hardly straightforward. In fact, despite Durant being moved prior to the NBA Draft, the free agent contracts and draft pick compensation needed to become official before the trade made it through the league office.

Although the Wolves didn’t land Durant, they were participants in what wound up being a historical seven-team deal.

Minnesota Timberwolves one of seven teams in Durant trade

There are few leagues that facilitate player movement like the NBA. Trades can involve more than two teams on frequent occasions, and big names often move around. We have never seen a seven-team deal before though, so the Minnesota Timberwolves inclusions makes them part of history.

PHX: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, 2nd

HOU: Kevin Durant, Clint Capela

BKN: 2 2nds

GSW: Alex Toohey, Jahmai Mashack

ATL: 2nd swap, David Roddy, cash

LAL: Adou Thiero

MIN: Rocco Zikarsky, 2 2nds, cash

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2025

This isn’t the first time Minnesota has been involved in a historic trade. Last offseason saw the first six-team trade in the NBA. The deal that brought Klay Thompson to Dallas included the Timberwolves as well. Minnesota got a 2025 second round pick, 2031 second round pick swaps, and cash in that transaction.

The Suns, who traded Durant away, wound up with six new players and a second round pick. Minnesota landed a second round pick that they used to take Australian center Rocco Zikarsky. They also grabbed an addition pair of second round picks and some cash that can be applied towards luxury tax implications.

Chris Finch has looked to acquire additional draft assets after dealing a substantial amount of them in the trade for Rudy Gobert. Minnesota parted with first round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029 to get that deal done with the Utah Jazz.

Related: Rudy Gobert Finally Says No to International Play

Although second round picks are largely dart throws, you can certainly combine them to move back into the first round. Also, there are diamonds in the rough worth uncovering through development as well. Naz Reid went undrafted and just signed a new $125 million contract with Minnesota.

The MN Timberwolves are still looking for guard help this summer after handing out extensions to Reid and Julius Randle. Their summer league action begins on July 10th in Las Vegas.

Most recently, Connelly tried to get his blockbuster trade fix by targeting one of the greatest shooters in league history, Phoenix Suns forward, Kevin Durant. According to multiple reports, Minnesota had the best offer on the table for KD, too.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t interested in playing for the Timberwolves, which forced Tim to back off. Finally, last week, a handshake agreement between the Suns and Houston Rockets was unofficially consummated, ending the 2025 KD trade saga once and for all.

Or so we thought…

Kevin Durant trade is getting complicated

That was before the latest news dropped Wednesday night, revealing that the Durant-to-Houston trade is getting historically complicated. As of now, the deal includes a record-setting SEVEN teams (including the Minnesota Timberwolves). But according to The Athletic, “a trade is no longer imminent”.

League sources tell The Athletic that the Rockets and Suns are working on expanding the Kevin Durant trade into a deal that would involve a league-record seven teams. Other teams involved in negotiations at the moment include the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources say.

No trade is imminent, and details are being ironed out as of Wednesday night.

The Athletic

As of now, it doesn’t seem like this deal is in real danger of falling apart, but that last line makes it clear that it has yet to reach the unofficial finish line. Remember, nothing can be finalized until the new NBA league year begins on July 6.

But no matter how it goes down, it appears the Minnesota Timberwolves are intent on being a part of it, someway, somehow, though we do not yet know at what capacity that involvement will entail. As of now, The Athletic reports that the original trade is mostly still intact.

In a would-be seven-team trade, there is an unprecedented amount of detail. Unfortunately, while a seven-team trade would make for a thrilling topic at a cocktail party, there haven’t been many unexpected developments in these negotiations. At least in the iterations of the deal discussed so far, most of the recognizable names are from trades that have already been agreed to and reported but not yet finalized.

The Athletic

Tim Connelly’s blockbuster trade addiction

Tim is 48 years old. When NBA Live 95 came out on SEGA Genesis in October 1994, he was 19 years old living in the dorms at Fordham University. So, if you want to know the origin story behind why the now Wolves PoBO has a blockbuster trade addiction, I’d start there.

Because if you’re running the basketball operations of an NBA organization and not spending an inornate amount of time concocting trades, then pitching them to all of your decision-making buddies around the league… maybe it’s time to find a different profession.

In other words, Wolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and the rest of the organization turned their focus to the 2025-26 season a while ago.

Yet, if this offseason was one of 10,000+ lakes in the state of Minnesota on a hot summer day, an already sunburnt Chris Finch would still be stuck at the boat landing, holding onto the dock.

Meanwhile, his PoBO has been sitting with the key in the ignition for what feels like hours, going through all of his phone contacts trying ever-more desperately to figure out where this franchise wants to go and what exactly it is they are trying to accomplish on the NBA offseason lake this summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves fail to reel in Kevin Durant

Of course we all know why the Wolves’ boat is still stuck at GO. Because the first thing on Connelly’s itinerary was some serious big game fishing out near the rocky, desert-like beaches of Phoenix Suns Bay, specifically in search for one elusive trophy he’s been chasing since last trade deadline — Kevin Durant.

Unfortunately, Tim never figured out exactly where in those waters KD was located, or even what bait may get him to bite. And now, another team has beat him to his trophy, according to Shams Charania (ESPN).

Late Sunday morning, the stars aligned for the Houston Rockets who finally reeled in Durant, unloading Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 overall pick in next week’s NBA Draft, in order to fit KD into their live well.

BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

At the end of the day, no matter how hard you try or how desperate you might be, it’s tough to catch something that seemingly wants nothing to do with every jig, minnow and wax worm you tie on the end of your line.

As bad as the Minnesota Timberwolves wanted Kevin Durant to get them over their WCF hump, the interest was not mutual. So now that he has been landed by another boat, maybe we’ll learn more about why KD did everything within his power to avoid Minnesota, which in case you haven’t heard, freezes over the winter.

Related: Anthony Edwards Not Helping Timberwolves Woo Kevin Durant

The good news about today’s ending to this latest KD trade saga is that, whether he likes it or not, Tim Connelly can now start up the Timberwolves’ offseason motor and get this boat heading in the right direction, even if Finchy is already half-burnt and ready to go back to shore, where a Julius Randle extension is waiting for them.

So… where will the 36-year-old former No. 2 overall draft pick end up? Brian Windhorst (ESPN) reported on Wednesday that the Minnesota Timberwolves seem to have a deal locked and loaded that he believes could force the Phoenix Suns’ hand.

Is a Kevin Durant trade still going to happen?

Of course, it’s well known by now that Durant does not want to play for the Wolves, which is believed to be the main reason why a trade between Minnesota and Phoenix hasn’t already been consummated.

But as far as we know, the Suns are still trying to complete a Durant trade by the time round one of the NBA Draft tips off Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. CDT. Thus, most still believe a Kevin Durant trade is imminent over the coming days. Where will he ultimately be traded to, though?

Related: Anthony Edwards Not Helping Timberwolves Woo Kevin Durant

Oftentimes — when sports fans want more insight into what is happening around them, whether it be the likelihood their favorite team will win that day or the Minnesota Timberwolves will land Kevin Durant — they turn to sportsbooks for guidance. So, what do the sports betting gods have to say about KD’s eventual landing spot?

The Wolves started as longshot underdogs to land Durant, weeks ago. But then, after chatter picked up connecting the two sides last week, they skyrocketed up the odds board, all the way up to -130 favorites just days ago.

Sportsbooks no longer high on KD to Minnesota Timberwolves… or anywhere else

But now, given what’s been reported the past couple days, it appears DraftKings has no idea where this Kevin Durant rollercoaster ride ends either. At least, that’s what their latest odds say.

Late Thursday morning, the Minnesota Timberwolves still sit near the top of the board, at +350, right behind Houston (+250) and tied with Miami (+350). San Antonio remains in the hunt, too, along with a new team, the Toronto Raptors.

According to Shams Charania (ESPN), the Minnesota Timberwolves remain deep in trade talks with the Phoenix Suns, as do the other handful of teams near the top of the betting odds tables. While it feels like negotiations have fallen into a lull, insiders like Shams remain adamant that a deal could happen at any moment.

In fact, the 36-year-old NBA veteran has made it very clear that he is not interested in playing with the Timberwolves, reportedly even vetoing a trade to the Wolves in recent days, just like he did midseason to the Warriors.

Anthony Edwards not paying attention to Kevin Durant drama

But another worthy note to this saga that surfaced on Wednesday involves Anthony Edwards, and his apparent lack of involvement in wooing Kevin Durant to Minnesota. On ESPN’s Get Up Wednesday, the hyper-informed Brian Windhorst doubled down on a report from his colleague Marc Spears, one day earlier.

According to both insiders, Edwards has not contacted KD about coming to MN. Apparently, Ant is busy in Atlanta working out and preparing for next season, seemingly unperturbed by whether or not his mentor and Olympic teammate has any interest in joining him as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Tuesday, @MarcJSpears reported that Anthony Edwards has not been actively recruiting Kevin Durant to the Timberwolves. @WindhorstESPN furthered that report on @GetUpESPN today.

"[Ant] is not actively recruiting Durant. He's not a part of this process. He is in Atlanta doing his… pic.twitter.com/p16Tn8yq2S

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 18, 2025

“My colleague Marc Spears, who is very plugged into everything in the NBA reported yesterday on NBA Today that Ant Edwards — who is very close to Kevin Durant from last year’s Olympic team, looks at him as an idol. He is not actively recruiting Durant. He is not a part of this process, he’s in Atlanta doing his offseason workouts, he’s not involved.”

Brian Windhorst – Get Up (ESPN)

Related: Timberwolves Nearing Finish Line of Kevin Durant Deal but Crossing is Complicated…

Why Durant doesn’t want to play in Minnesota is still somewhat unknown, especially after a report this morning hinted at the Timberwolves’ willingness to extend the 10x All-NBA superstar, should he waive this unwillingness to happily move north.

Why is Edwards not recruiting Durant to the Minnesota Timberwolves?

There doesn’t seem to be an issue between Anthony Edwards and his supposed mentor. His willingness to avoid the drama seems more related to either (a) ignorance, (b) confidence and/or (c) respect. Windy wasn’t willing to officially speak on the matter, especially for Kevin Durant or Ant, but he would believe it’s more to do with C.

Is that your final answer, Brian?

“I’m not going to speak or have conjecture as to why. Having been around the Olympic team last year, I know that Ant would defer to Kevin on just about everything. If Kevin doesn’t want to be in Minnesota, which has been articulated, I could see Ant not wanting to put pressure on him.”

Brian Windhorst – Get Up (ESPN)

Without a doubt, Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant together would be an absolutely incredible offensive duo that every other team in the league would have issues stopping.

Related: The Minnesota Timberwolves are Stuck with Tim Connelly

Those who do not believe that underestimate the effect KD would have on his young protege, combined with how much talent and determination BOTH dudes still have on either ends of a basketball court. That’s right, Durant is a better defender than most give him credit for, especially when he is bought in.

At this point, everyone who doesn’t have their head stuck in the NBA offseason sand is well aware of the fact that Minnesota is chasing Durant. Most also know that the biggest hold-up in completing a KD to MN deal is his disinterest in playing for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota Timberwolves at the Kevin Durant trade talk finish line…

So now, Tim Connelly has a decision to make, and it isn’t an easy one. According to Brian Windhorst (ESPN), Minnesota is essentially standing at the finish line of these Kevin Durant trade talks with the Phoenix Suns.

The pieces are seemingly in place. All the Timberwolves and their PoBO have to do to complete this deal is to proverbially pull the trigger and start drawing up paperwork. Of course, Durant’s public mission to avoid Minnesota has Connelly thinking twice before making a trade official.

On today's Hoops Collective podcast: @WindhorstESPN seems to believe the Timberwolves are standing at the Kevin Durant trade finish line trying to decide if they want to cross.

"My feel is if the Timberwolves wanted it, they could probably get a trade for Durant done." pic.twitter.com/ZmdpXf2M1Q

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 18, 2025

“The Minnesota Timberwolves have a very interesting situation sitting in their laps. I’m not saying anything definitive. To be clear, I’m not reporting this. But my feel is that if the Timberwolves wanted it, they could probably get a trade for Durant done.

The question is, and Durant has made it very clear that he [does not have] the Wolves on his [preferred teams] list. There’s practically been posted on social media. It’s been posted on social media by Shams essentially, but it might as well then post on social media by Durant. If you’re Minnesota, do you trade for a player who doesn’t want to be there, who very clearly doesn’t want to be there?”

Brian Windhorst – The Hoop Collective Podcast (ESPN)

Durant trade to Minnesota would come with hefty extension tax…

So, what is a President of Basketball Operations to do, when pinned into a corner like Tim Connelly seems to be? Well, promising KD a $120 million extension would be quite the sweetner that Windy believes could soften Kevin Durant’s stance on playing for the Timberwolves.

According to the longtime NBA insider, a KD trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves would likely include a fresh two-year max extension, which would be $60 million per year through Durant’s 40th birthday.

It’s a similar situation to what the Golden State Warriors dealt with at the trade deadline, when Jimmy Butler made it clear he did not want to play there. They did a backdoor contract extension for over $100 million, and suddenly Jimmy was a happy camper when he arrived out west.

If the Wolves are going to pull the trigger on a Durant trade, Windy believes making him happy will include a 2 yr, $120 million extension (through age 40), something he and his cohorts aren't sure is good decision for MN… pic.twitter.com/8vQNuyGExy

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 18, 2025

“If you’re going to trade for him and you want him to be invested, you’re probably going to have to say, I mean, what you’re saying probably is, Kevin, come and we’re going to give you two years, $120 million additionally.”

“Durant, that’s what you’re essentially going to do if you’re Minnesota, you’re going to say, ‘Kevin, come here, play with an Edwards. You know we have this plan. And here’s also, you know, a promise of a two year extension.’ That’s what all he can do — two years, $100 million.”

Brian Windhorst – The Hoop Collective Podcast (ESPN)

If the Wolves decide to complete this deal for Kevin Durant, it’s likely they’d have to do the same. Would that be worth it? Those on the Hoop Collective Podcast are skeptical.

Related: Kevin Durant Trade Expected to Happen Sooner Than Later

In fact, Windy, Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon all agree that the Minnesota Timberwolves should pass on KD, instead choosing more of a long-term vision built behind Anthony Edwards. Will Connelly take his fellow Tims’ advice? We’ll likely find out in short order.

The Thunder and Pacers are tied 2-2 going into Monday night’s game five matchup back in OKC. But really, the headlines the last week have belonged to Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns and the teams chasing after a trade for the 10x NBA All-Pro.

Late last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves surged back to the front of the KD sweepstakes, taking over as (-130) favorites to land the 37-year-old 17-year NBA veteran who averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game last season, along with 1.2 blocks (62 games).

Kevin Durant doesn’t want to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Over the weekend, however, Shams Charania (ESPN) threw cold water on Wolves fans hopeful to reel in the biggest fish of the 2025 offseason, when he reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves were not included in Durant’s list of preferred teams.

Instead of playing with his young protege Anthony Edwards in the Land of 10,000 Frozen Winter Lakes, something he has previously shown interest in doing, Durant reportedly now prefers Houston, Miami or San Antonio, supposedly because those teams are more open to a post-trade extension.

Then Monday afternoon, according to Shams, Durant is doubling down on his new mission to avoid Minnesota. “I’m told told Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves.”

Shams: "I'm told Kevin Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves"

No KD-Ant duo anymore pic.twitter.com/4SxnaO3LLc

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 16, 2025

Despite what Kevin Durant may or may not want. As of 12:30 this afternoon at DraftKings, the Timberwolves remain odds-on favorites to win the KD sweepstakes, though they have slipped to +160. Meanwhile, KD’s preferred destinations — Miami (+240), then Houston (+350), and finally San Antonio (+400) — remain behind the Wolves.

How is that possible? Would the Suns really trade Durant outside of where he wants to go? Mat Ishbia claims that Phoenix will trade KD to a team that isn’t on his three-team list, and I can’t imagine he’s changed that thinking in the past 24 hours, given what was reported Monday morning on ESPN’s Get Up.

Timberwolves pursuing Durant most aggressively

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst (ESPN), the offers on the table from KD’s preferred list of teams have not “gotten Phoenix excited, to this point”. On the contrary, Windy goes on to explain that “Minnesota…has been the most aggressive team in these trade talks.”

He also notes that the Raptors and Clippers are trying to make a push for Durant too, which makes it seem like all three teams (TOR, LAC, MIN) are offering more than what the Heat, Rockets and Spurs are. But make no mistake, says the trusted reporter, Minnesota have been the most aggressive.

"There are people in this league who believe that Jalen Williams can have a Scottie Pippen-like career." 👀 @WindhorstESPN is looking to see if the J'Dub-SGA duo can take over in Game 5 😤 pic.twitter.com/UOs1Dc5p80

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 16, 2025

“From what I understand, the three teams on Durant’s list — Miami, San Antonio and Houston — have not made offers that have gotten Phoenix excited, to this point — ‘to this point’ is very important. Minnesota was aggressive at midseason and Minnesota, from what I understand, has been the most aggressive team in these trade talks.

I do think Toronto is lurking out there. Toronto is making the No. 9 pick in this draft, in addition to some players, available in multiple difference scenarios. And, I think the LA Clippers are lurking out there, as well. But I would say right now, if I had to pick a favorite, I definitely think Minnesota is the team that’s been most aggressive.”

Brian Windhorst – Get Up (ESPN)

You can’t help but think that a multi-year extension would seal this deal for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Knowing how badly they want Durant, and how much they are obviously willing to offer Phoenix to get him here, it’s difficult to imagine why they are not willing to sign him long-term.

Related: Kevin Durant Trade Expected to Happen Sooner Than Later

In fact, wouldn’t they want to extend him shortly after executing the trade, in order to bring his $50+ million cap hit down to a more manageable number? My guess, is we will soon find out more about why the Wolves do not want to extend Kevin Durant, if they trade for him… or if that is actually the real reason he doesn’t want to come here.

Tim Connelly kicked off last season with a blockbuster that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. Before that, he traded for Rudy Gobert. But swinging a deal for future hall of famer Kevin Durant would blow those moves out of the water and (hopefully) allow the Wolves to take the next step.

Kevin Durant could really come to Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been suggested as a potential landing spot for Kevin Durant since it became evident the Phoenix Suns were going to move him. After a recent surge, however, DraftKings now has Minnesota as a -130 favorite to win the KD sweepstakes. The Miami Heat are second at +175. Minnesota was +400 within the last 48 hours.

Connelly will still need to work on the roster even if he can pull off a trade for Durant. Finch probably will need a center to put into the rotation unless rolling with Naz Reid and Julius Randle is the plan. A point guard that can facilitate on offense is necessary too.

Lowe doesn’t exactly know how it all comes together for the Timberwolves, but he certainly believes they are generating the most smoke. ESPN’s Bobby Marks suggested a package that would include Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, and the 17th overall pick.

Related: Report: Kevin Durant Trade Expected to Happen Sooner Than Later

The Suns seem motivated to get a deal done prior to the NBA Draft. With that scheduled for June 25, there are just 11 days left and the clock is ticking. For a franchise welcoming in new owners, and with a superstar in the form of Anthony Edwards, a Durant addition would send excitement for 2025-26 through the roof. NBA insider Zach Lowe agrees.

By my KD Buzz Rankings “I have The Timberwolves #1” out of the other teams

Via – Zach Lowe on his podcast pic.twitter.com/vvwfNcR8Lw

— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) June 14, 2025

“Everyone’s talking about Durant. Everyone. The league is talking. Every team is talking. I would say the buzz order right now, if I had to do a buzz rank, is Minnesota, Houston, and then I think there’s a gap. Miami, still trying to get in, I think.”

Zach Lowe

Once Wolves + Durant chatter picked up this week, many around the league have tagged Minnesota as the perfect landing spot for the 36-year-old 10x All-NBA selection. This, after the two sides got close, but ultimately failed to complete a last-second deal before the trade deadline back in February.

Related: NBA Insider Reveals Realistic Kevin Durant Trade Scenario

In the flurry of reports that dropped around that time, and then again after the season ended, KD has made it known around league circles that Minnesota is one of his top-choice destinations. And that’s because the Timberwolves have what Kevin Durant is looking for.

Not only (and most importantly) are the Wolves ready to win right now, but also, KD has quite the bromance developing with 23-year-old phenom, Anthony Edwards. It’s a relationship that was recently made much stronger when the two won gold together with Team USA at the 2024 Olympics. I have no doubt that their friendship plays a role in Kevin Durant’s thinking right now too.

Kevin Durant trade timeline reportedly speeding up…

As of Thursday, the word around the NBA street was that the Suns had set a self-induced deadline for a KD trade to be executed by the start of the NBA Draft, which tips off on Wednesday, June 25. That way, they would be able to capitalize on any 2025 draft capital they might receive back in any Durant deal.

Life moves fast during the NBA offseason, however, and according to Shams Charania (ESPN) today on the Pat McAfee Show, the KD trade talks have nearly boiled over in the past 24 hours.

As of this afternoon, the league’s most trusted insider is reporting that there are currently three teams leading the pursuit of Kevin Durant (Wolves, Rockets, Heat) and that he now expects a trade to be consummated within the next few days.

"The focus of the Suns' conversation has been on a few of the teams and here they are: the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves."@ShamsCharania discusses the three teams in talks with acquiring Kevin Durant 👀 (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/X24C4o1Hvh

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 13, 2025

“You said a week, I think [a Kevin Durant trade] could be even sooner than that. I think there’s some motivation with some teams, potentially even sooner than seven days, potentially in the next few days, we could get some Kevin Durant trade action.

There is some serious traction on conversations, on trade scenarios with the Suns. They’ve had about six to eight teams reach out. There’s been interest, there’s been some offers, there’s been some negotiations.

But really, in the last 24-48 hours, I’m told the focus on the Suns conversations have been with a few teams, the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves. I’m told those are the teams where a lot of the focus for Durant lies.”

Shams Charania – Pat McAfee Show (ESPN)

If the Wolves land Durant, what could a trade package look like?

The Timberwolves need another high-volume scoring threat to compliment Anthony Edwards. Who better to fill that role than arguably the most dynamic scorer in NBA history? Even better, Ant sees KD in a light that he doesn’t view any other NBA colleague, being he grew up worshipping Kevin Durant.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves *Almost* All In on Kevin Durant…

Of course, none of this guarantees the Wolves will land Durant. If they do, Shams warns that a contract extension may not immediately be on the table for, depending on where he ends up.

“He’s on an expiring contract, about $54 million, and that could come up as an issue here. If there’s a team that for sure wants his extension, or will there be a team — like what happened with Kawhi Leonard in 2018 — where they literally had no idea whether he wanted to be there, probably didn’t want to be there, and then they trade for him, win a championship, and then he leaves anway.

So will there be a team, whether it’s in this mix or a wildcard team, that just takes a swing and banks on themselves in hopes that they can potentially make a deep run and keep him there. But that is going to be the big question.”

Shams Charania – Pat McAfee Show (ESPN)

We do now know exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves have on the table for KD. But Friday morning, former NBA GM turned Shams colleague at ESPN, Bobby Marks, put out what he described as a realistic trade scenario between the Wolves and Suns.

It had Durant coming over for a package that included Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley and a 1st round draft pick later this month. You can read more about that HERE.

And since the moment that their latest playoff run came to an abrupt halt, the Wolves have made their plan A offseason blueprint pretty clear. Connelly and his front office have their target set on trading for former MVP and 10x All-NBA selection Kevin Durant.

Minnesota has been interested in Durant going back months, and reportedly got very close to completing a deal right before the NBA Trade Deadline. The moment their season ended, they were back on the KD trail.

And since the Timberwolves + Kevin Durant steam heated back up this week, there are a lot of people in the basketball world who think the Wolves will be the team to bring the KD trade drama in Phoenix to an end.

Bobby Marks lays out Kevin Durant trade blueprint for Minnesota Timberwolves

One of those experts is former NBA GM – turned ESPN insider and cap guru, Bobby Marks, who concocted a beautiful trade scenario for Durant that aired on SportsCenter Friday morning.

The best part: It doesn’t include Jaden McDaniels — who has reportedly been off the table during these discussions — or rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon Jr. Instead, Marks has the Minnesota Timberwolves giving up only Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley, three of their worst playoff performers in 2025.

If the Timberwolves swap out their worst three playoff players for Kevin Durant, we're hanging a Tim Connelly banner at Target Center @BobbyMarks42 pic.twitter.com/iIeQfLkXI0

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 13, 2025

“I look at it as when you have ‘win now’ players and players like Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and certainly Donte DiVincenzo. Then you have that draft pick that we talked about, the 17th pick in the draft. That’s the only pick they’re allowed to trade. That accomplishes a lot of what Phoenix is looking to do. Remember their owner said, Mat Ishbia, that they don’t want to rebuild. So you get three quality players. You get a first round pick for Kevin Durant. The two names not mentioned is Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Both players have a player option. They are not allowed to be traded as part of this deal.”

Bobby Marks – ESPN

The Minnesota Timberwolves don’t need to trade for Kevin Durant because he’s Anthony Edwards’ favorite player. Though that doesn’t hurt, they should trade for him because his addition could be the key piece that puts them over the top.

If Connelly is able to land Durant for the three players Marks mentions, it’d be a huge win. We all know what Gobert offers defensively, but his impact is forever limited in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Conley is 37 years old and his play fell off a cliff this season.

While DiVincenzo brought a toughness and leadership quality to the Wolves that showed late in the regular season, he completely tanked when they needed him the most, in the playoffs.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves *Almost* All In on Kevin Durant…

Including the 17th overall pick may be a tough pill for the MN Timberwolves to swallow, but for a return like Durant, it’s one they should stomach — especially when they get to keep both of last year’s first rounders. Let’s be honest, there is nothing certain about the NBA Draft, when picking in the teens.

Is Kevin Durant worth chasing?

We don’t know that the Wolves will rise to the top of Kevin Durant suitors, when this dust finally settles. But one thing is for sure. The KD smoke isn’t clearing out of Target Center any time soon. Not unless a deal gets done.

Kevin Durant isn’t a spring chicken anymore. But at 36 years old, he is still playing at an incredibly high level, averaging 26.6 points per game on 52.7% shooting in 62 games last season. His 43% from deep was his best in a season since 2020-21.

1 minute of Kevin Durant being clutch this season so far. pic.twitter.com/ZCcKPHabgM

— depressed goatman (@nocontextKD35) November 7, 2024

Durant has dealt with a few injuries in recent years. In fact, he’s played 55 games or less in three of the past five seasons. That said, he remained relatively healthy the last couple years, playing 75 games in 2023-24 and 62 games in 2024-25.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Among Teams to Deny New York Knicks

Entering the final year of a four-year contract, KD has played for four different teams during his 17-year NBA career, including the Thunder (9), Nets (3), Warriors (3) and Suns (3). Hopefully, the Minnesota Timberwolves are his fifth.