NBA Exec Says a Team Would 'Love' to Trade for Kevin Durant 'Just to Sell Tickets'

The Phoenix Suns reportedly plan to work with star forward Kevin Durant on a trade this summer, and an executive feels that there's a team that would be willing to acquire him as a one-year rental simply for the monetary boost.

"Durant is a top-three name in this league," a high-ranking NBA official told ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "I can see a team who'd love to have him for a season just to sell tickets."

The 2025-26 season is the final year remaining on Durant's current contract. Windhorst noted that he's eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $124 million this offseason. This creates a potentially difficult path for the Suns to find a trade partner that not only fulfills Durant's desire to land with a contender but also would be willing to make such an expensive commitment to a soon-to-be 37-year-old.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Phoenix fielded interest for Durant at this season's trade deadline from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.

Durant ultimately decided that he wanted to stay and help the Suns turn their season around, but the team finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs, leading to the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. Durant also suffered a sprained ankle toward the end of the disappointing season.

It can be expected that Durant's impending trade will be the leading storyline of the summer, as teams will be jumping at the chance to land the 15-time All-Star.