When your workforce isn’t part of the NBA Finals, the anticipate the draft could be essentially the most boring stretch of the 12 months (at the least outdoors of August, when free company and Summer time League is generally over however coaching camp continues to be over a month away). Nonetheless, this 12 months has been considerably entertaining for Spurs followers thus far regardless of not making the playoffs for the sixth straight season. Not solely have been they blessed within the lottery with the 2nd general choose, however they’ve constantly been part of commerce rumors, often involving superstars.
Whereas the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors that by no means actually bought off the bottom are presumably gone for good now that he reportedly plans to remain in Milwaukee, one other all-time nice is hitting the market, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting the Suns and Kevin Durant’s enterprise associate Wealthy Kleiman are sorting by commerce “eventualities”, and groups inquiring embody the Spurs.
The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant’s enterprise associate, Boardroom CEO Wealthy Kleiman, have met a number of instances over the previous week and are sifting by commerce eventualities, sources informed ESPN on Wednesday.
The 2 sides are anticipated to work collectively on potential locations.
Groups which have expressed curiosity in Durant, sources mentioned, primarily characteristic the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Warmth, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. A number of wild-card suitors have made inquiries on Durant up to now seven to 10 days, sources mentioned.
Shams is the primary supply I really belief to report on this, however there was loads of smoke main thus far. A supply reportedly informed Sam Amico’s Hoopswire that the Spurs are Durant’s most well-liked vacation spot. Additionally, not surprisingly, the Spurs are the odds-on betting favorites to land Durant (not that it means something).
After all, the problem is realizing who and what all to imagine, and it’s laborious to pin something down on what a commerce for Durant may entail as a result of rumors have been far and wide. Most “rumors” have included at the least Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and the 14th choose. This virtually works from a wage standpoint, though the Spurs must tack on another person like Malaki Branham or Blake Wesley to actually match and keep away from bringing on additional wage, and often a three-for-one deal would require getting a 3rd celebration concerned.
Arizona Radio announcer John Gambadoro additionally talked about Jeremy Sochan and notes that there to appears be extra legs to the Spurs rumors than others (starting on the 2:40 mark).
After all, there’s a level the place the asking worth is just too giant for an getting older, 37-year outdated veteran. I’ve by no means heard of Shadab Khan so I don’t know whether or not to imagine this or not, but when there may be any reality to this report, the Spurs know what’s an excessive amount of.
BREAKING: The Spurs have rejected a Suns commerce proposal centered round Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, No. 14, and two future FRPs for Kevin Durant, per supply.
Each groups are anticipated to maintain working towards a deal earlier than the draft, the place PHX has been lively in scouting. Extra to return.
— Shadab Khan (@ShadabKhanNBA) June 10, 2025
It’s price noting what’s lacking from all these rumors. One factor is the 2nd general choose, so it sounds just like the Spurs haven’t any intention of giving it away. The identical could possibly be mentioned for Stephon Citadel and De’Aaron Fox (and it goes with out saying that Victor Wembanyama is untouchable). Keldon Johnson has additionally hardly ever proven up in any rumors, which can or is probably not associated to the connection he shares with Durant due to their time collectively on Staff USA.
No matter what’s actual and what isn’t, we’ve reached the purpose that there’s sufficient smoke across the rumor of Durant to the Spurs to acknowledge it. (We did the identical factor with Fox, and look what occurred.) After all, there will likely be loads of hurdles and issues in relation to deciding how a lot Durant would really be price giving up for the Spurs. Jesus Gomez not too long ago wrote about each the professionals and cons of bringing him aboard, so you’ll want to go test it out for those who haven’t already or want a refresher.
Within the meantime, we’ll proceed to observe this example carefully and report on any extra credible rumors that will come out.
