At the recent trade deadline, nearly 10 teams contacted the Phoenix Suns to try to bring Kevin Durant to the team. That shows the tremendous appeal of the 36-year-old star, despite him being in the final years of his career.

Although  no trade has taken place , and Durant remains with the Suns, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns are willing to let Durant go at the end of the season if they fail to make the playoffs. The two-time NBA champion is also open to finding a new team after this season.

Since Durant has stated that he wants to go to a championship-contending team, most NBA teams will be passed over. Durant also doesn’t want to return to his old teams. Not only that, teams will have to make huge offers to get him. So realistically, not many clubs can afford this deal.

Join Sporting News as we take a look at the list of potential destinations if Kevin Durant decides to leave the Phoenix Suns after this season.

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Potential landing spots if Durant

Teams that are capable

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are back after years of tanking. While they may not be ready to compete for a championship right away, they have a promising roster centered around Cade Cunningham. The combination of Durant and Cunningham could be an interesting one.

Tobias Harris is the main factor that gives the Pistons confidence in the trade. He has only 1 year left on his contract, worth $26.6 million, which is a good fit for a rebuilding team like the Suns. Harris, along with young talent like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and a couple of first-round picks, will give the Suns something to think about.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are a good team, but need more stars to really reach the top.

The Pacers still have two first-round picks available for trade. To get Durant, the Pacers will likely have to sacrifice Benedict Mathurin. Additionally, players like Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith and TJ McConnell could be added to balance Durant’s salary.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have an elite defense, but a terrible offense. Durant is the answer. The Magic have great playmakers like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, but lack a great scorer. Durant would make an immediate impact on the team.

The Magic still have four first-round picks as well as a host of young talent like Anthony Black, Jett Howard and Tristan Da Silva to trade. The Magic also have a number of players with expiring contracts to match Durant’s salary like Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Wagner.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are another great defensive team that lacks scoring ability. If Durant goes to the Clippers, he would reunite with his old teammate Harden. The two played well together on the OKC Thunder and Brooklyn Nets. Durant and Harden also have a good relationship.

The Clippers have two first-round picks and three trades available. They could also include good, expiring players like Norman Powell and Bogdan Bogdanovic as part of a deal to attract the Suns, who would rebuild if Durant left.

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Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks’ calculations after letting Doncic go have fallen apart. Injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have made this season a waste. The pressure on the Mavericks is huge and they need to win a championship in the next 1-2 seasons. So Durant could be Dallas’ last resort.

The Mavericks have two first-round picks and four trades to offer. They could help the Suns break Durant’s contract into smaller deals with PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall and Max Christie have small salaries and expiring contracts, giving the Suns flexibility in their rebuilding plans.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were one of the teams that reached out to the Suns at the trade deadline. With Ja Morant and Desmond Bane potentially being traded after this season, the Bears could potentially trade them to the Suns to get Durant. The Grizzlies also have four first-round picks available for trade.

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San Antonio Spurs

Kevin Durant is the role model for Victor Wembanyama to learn from and play for. While it will take time for the French center to reach Durant’s level, he is already good enough to help the team compete for a championship. The combination of Wemby, De’Aaron Fox and Durant will help the Suns immediately return to the championship group.

The Spurs have four first-round picks and expiring players like Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes to match Durant’s salary.

Feb 3, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) collected a rebound over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Top teams

OKC Thunder

While Durant doesn’t want to return to his old teams, the OKC Thunder could make him reconsider. The Thunder are a championship contender, but their weakness is the lack of someone to share the scoring responsibilities with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With Durant, they will be a strong contender for titles for many seasons to come.

The Thunder have nine first-round picks available for trade. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, who has one year left on his contract, would be a key player in the deal. Barring Hartenstein and the other first-round picks, the Thunder could send Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, or Nikola Topic in the opposite direction to acquire Durant.

The OKC Thunder were Durant’s first NBA team and he still owes them a championship. It would be great if Durant came back, helped them win a championship and retired with the club.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have a young squad with great potential. However, they lack a leader, a star to guide their talents. And Durant could be the answer.

The Rockets have a lot of bright talent who could become an instant star for the Suns, including Reed Sheppard, the 3rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They also have Fred VanVleet, a $45 million player with just one year left on his contract, available for trade.

To convince the Suns, the Rockets could offer VanVleet, 1-2 young players, and future first-round picks. That’s an offer the Suns should seriously consider.