Stein: Teams Will Make Kevin Durant Trade Calls Whether He Wants to Leave Suns or Not

Kevin Durant's potential willingness to remain with the Phoenix Suns reportedly won't stop opposing front offices from checking in on his trade availability during the offseason.

"The phone is going to ring in Phoenix for Kevin Durant this offseason whether Durant wants to leave or not," NBA insider Marc Stein said during a Saturday appearance on the ALL NBA Podcast (17:20 mark). "I mean, that is just a reality now."

The Suns discussed moving Durant to multiple teams prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline including the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the star forward was "blindsided" by his involvement in trade negotiations and would "work together" with the Suns on a change of scenery during the offseason.

Roughly "four to six contending teams" are expected to have "serious involvement" with Durant, per Charania.

Phoenix has struggled following the trade deadline, owning a 5-9 record in 14 games since Feb. 6. The Suns hold the No. 11 spot in the Western Conference standings at 30-34 on the season.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that "conditions in Phoenix have only deteriorated" since the team discussed trading Durant.

While the two-time NBA Finals MVP may ultimately want to stay with the Suns at the end of the regular season, that seemingly won't deter interested teams from checking in on his availability.

The 36-year-old has remained an elite three-level scorer throughout his 2024-25 campaign despite Phoenix's overall inconsistency. Durant has averaged 26.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on 52.9/39.8/82.8 shooting splits in 51 starts this season.

His name could surface in trade rumors once again during the offseason, even if he's committed to remaining with the Suns.