While various NBA trade rumors circulate, the discussions surrounding Kevin Durant dominate the headlines. This trade is anticipated to be the first significant move, but don’t expect any developments until at least Monday, as no one would dare interrupt Game 7 of the NBA Finals and incur the league’s displeasure. Let’s begin our roundup of the current rumors.
Multi-team Trade Involving Jrue Holiday?
Kevin Durant remains the standout name in the trade market, with Jrue Holiday potentially being the second most intriguing option. The Celtics are looking to reduce their salary cap, leading to multiple reports suggesting Holiday may be on the move. Could there be a scenario where both Durant and Holiday are involved in a significant trade, not directly for one another but as part of a larger deal? As Zach Lowe mentioned on the Zach Lowe Show podcast:
“The focus, for me, is on Jrue Holiday. I think there have been broad discussions regarding three-team trades linked to Durant that involve Holiday being moved somewhere.”
Holiday’s arrival in Boston — pivotal for their 2024 championship run — was due to a significant deal involving Damian Lillard. It’s plausible similar scenarios could emerge this offseason, making it likely that Holiday will be traded soon.
Durant’s Market Control
Durant has a clear list of favored destinations — Houston, San Antonio, and Miami — and has effectively influenced the market by expressing this preference. With just one year remaining on his $54.7 million contract, he can opt not to extend with any team, making him feel like a rental asset. On Friday’s NBA Today, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained this advantage:
“His trade value is somewhat limited because he’s constraining his market. He’s made it clear he wants control over where he concludes his career, thereby suppressing market options and directing himself to specific teams. This strategy has worked well so far.”
Heat Unwilling to Include Ware in Trade
A major obstacle in facilitating a trade to Miami involves the Heat’s refusal to include 21-year-old center Kel’el Ware, according to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Without Ware, coupled with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo being unavailable, the Suns will demand multiple first-round picks to finalize any trade, as the incoming player options might not be appealing. At present, negotiations appear to be quite distant, but discussions are ongoing.
Suns Seek 2025 First-Round Pick
The Suns are pursuing a high first-round pick in exchange for Durant, according to reports from Mark Stein. Potential teams include Toronto with the No. 9 pick, Houston at No. 10, and San Antonio at No. 14, though their ability to compete seems limited. The need for such picks raises questions about whether these teams will comply.
Jakob Poeltl Not On the Table
The Toronto Raptors have their eyes on Durant, but they are not willing to include center Jakob Poeltl in any potential deal, as reported by Michael Grange of Sportsnet. The Suns previously inquired about Poeltl at the deadline and faced rejection. The situation also indicates the Suns might be utilizing the Raptors to enhance their negotiating position.
Despite knowing they’re being leveraged, Toronto is keen to build a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, wanting Poeltl to be a part of that vision.
Teams Interested in Cody Martin
Notably, several teams have expressed interest in Phoenix’s Cody Martin, as reported by Marc Stein, suggesting he might “very well factor into any direct or multi-team deal” concerning Durant. Martin, who averaged 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench last season, is one to keep an eye on.
Wizards Aim to Move Up in the Draft
One speculation involves the Washington Wizards, who hold picks No. 6 and 18, seeking to combine these and perhaps include a player to rise into the top five in the draft for a point guard, aiming for Dylan Harper. However, their efforts may not suffice to secure the No. 2 pick from the Spurs, shifting focus to Jeremiah Fears. The latest NBC Sports Mock Draft forecasts that Fears could go to Utah at No. 5, making it feasible for Washington to negotiate a trade for Utah’s fifth pick.
