With the trade price for Kevin Durant significantly lower than it was in 2023 when he was moved by the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns, there could be a few teams willing to acquire him without an assurance he will sign an extension, or re-sign as a free agent in 2026.
The tone in February at the trade deadline was that any team that acquired Durant would be prepared to sign him to an extension just as the Golden State Warriors did with Jimmy Butler.
Some teams could view Durant, who will turn 37 in September, as a player worth trading for as a one-year rental to compete for a title. There is little available cap space in 2025, but teams books will open up in 2026 as the cap increases and many higher priced deals expire. Because of his logjam, trades are more of a necessity to make a meaningful change to a roster.