NBA rumors: The time Timberwolves thought they had Kevin Durant trade lined up

Despite a disappointing first-round exit against the Lakers, the Houston Rockets reportedly have no plans to part ways with Kevin Durant this summer, even with the Timberwolves interested in that trade.

NBA insider Brett Siegel notes that the organization does not intend to trade the superstar, as they consider his presence vital for raising championship expectations and mentoring their young core.

After signing a “team-friendly” $90 million extension last October, Durant remains central to Houston’s roster strategy, even as questions linger about his $46.1 million player option.

This current stability in Houston contrasts sharply with the turmoil surrounding Durant during the 2025 trade deadline.

Reports from the New York Times and The Athletic indicate that the Minnesota Timberwolves were convinced they had a blockbuster deal in place to acquire Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

Timberwolves President Tim Connelly was actively working to align a series of moves to bring in the superstar, and sources within the team suggested they were just hours away from finalizing the trade before the Suns ultimately decided to back out.

Reflecting on those stalled negotiations from a year ago, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst confirmed that Minnesota was indeed “on the verge” of a franchise-altering move before Durant was traded to Houston.

Interestingly, the trade’s collapse was partly due to Durant’s own preferences and a lack of active recruitment from Anthony Edwards.

Windhorst noted that while Edwards could have attempted to persuade Durant, he chose to remain uninvolved, telling the veteran to “do what you do.”

Marc J. Spears further emphasized that Edwards was focused on his own offseason preparation in Atlanta, preferring to let the front office handle the negotiations.

While the Timberwolves believed they were acquiring a cornerstone player, the Suns’ last-minute hesitation ultimately paved the way for Durant’s current tenure in Houston.

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