Suns Reportedly Trying to Land 2025 1st-Round Draft Pick in Kevin Durant Trade Package
As the Phoenix Suns continue to shop Kevin Durant in trade talks, their goal is to bring back a high 2025 draft pick as part of a return package for the 15-time All-Star.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Suns are "hopeful" they can land a first-round selection in this year's draft in exchange for Durant.
One reason nothing has happened with Durant to this point is teams don't seem to be willing to match Phoenix's asking price.
The Ringer's Kirk Goldsberry said earlier this week on The Zach Lowe Show that the San Antonio Spurs didn't respond well when the Suns asked for the No. 2 overall pick and/or 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
Stein noted the Suns have attempted to "coax" teams like the Toronto Raptors (No. 9), Houston Rockets (No. 10), Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 17) or Miami Heat (No. 20) into giving up their first-round selections.
The team that would seem to have the most interest for the Suns is Houston. The Rockets control Phoenix's first-round picks in 2025, 2027 and potentially 2029 depending on how swaps play out.
Despite the obvious fit from the Suns' perspective, the Rockets don't seem too eager to make an aggressive push for Durant. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on Friday they are actually "wagering" Phoenix's asking price will eventually come down because they don't want to give up their cache of future picks for a 36-year-old player.
Given that time is running out before the draft starts on Wednesday, the Suns might have to move off their hardline stance since it doesn't seem like there are any marquee trade packages for Durant at this point.
