“We want championships here in Phoenix. Moral victories don’t matter.” That brutally honest line could end up marking the end of Kevin Durant’s time in the desert. As the NBA season winds down, all eyes are turning to the offseason trade market—and KD is right at the center of the storm. After a first-round sweep last year and a playoff miss this season, the Suns’ high-stakes Big Three experiment has fizzled out fast. Now, with pressure mounting and no patience left for near-misses, Phoenix is expected to make drastic moves. According to insider reports, a Durant trade isn’t just being considered—it might already be on the deadline calendar.

Per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, Durant is likely to get traded before the upcoming draft on June 25. “I’ve been reporting all along this thing is gonna get done before the draft.” He remarked. That’s because the deal will likely involve draft compensation. This aligns with Shams Charania’s reports on NBA Today that there is “traction on Kevin Durant trade scenarios,” with some teams motivated to finalize a deal sooner rather than later. While the deadline for the trade has seemingly been set, KD’s next destination is yet to be determined. However, all eyes are on the Rockets’ star duo, which could be at risk.

Durant reportedly prefers to land in Texas, with either the Rockets or Spurs. For the Houston team to acquire the two-time champ, the deal is likely to include their young stars Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Their current contract combines for $146 million, which is enough to make room for KD in the roster. Durant is owed $54.7 million in salary next season.

Meanwhile, the move gives the Suns two young stars with massive upside. Both Jabari and Green have the potential to be perennial All-Stars if developed the right way. And acquiring them in exchange for KD could set the franchise for the future. While Jabari and Smith’s future in Houston is seemingly in jeopardy, it is still not certain that Rockets and Suns will finalize the deal, as there are multiple options on the table.

Clippers emerge as potential suitors for Kevin Durant as NBA Insider gives key update on trade buzz

Upon revealing the timeline for Durant’s trade, Gambadoro also highlighted a potential suitor, “I think the Clippers might have some interest as well.” Well, the LA team is also seeking a superstar following their embarrassing first round exit. While Kawhi Leonard and James Harden did a solid job last year to make up for Paul George’s departure, it was not enough to make them title contenders. Durant could be the missing piece that gets them over the hump.

According to veteran reporter Matt Moore, Clippers have contacted the Suns for a potential trade. “They are looking for bigger fish to fry, though I think a deal ultimately is unlikely. Instead of revealing the shocker that they’re a team that has talks with Phoenix about KD, how about this: they, like everyone else in the league, have called Phoenix about KD and just happen to be one of the teams that those talks have gotten out about.” He remarked.

Meanwhile, ESPN veteran Shams Charania confirmed that the Suns are in contact with several other teams, “The focus of the Suns’ conversations as of the last 24 hours has been around the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and the New York Knicks.” With so many potential suitors in play, where KD will land is still uncertain. A lot will depend on his preference, which is leaning toward a Texas team. Do you think Rockets are the right fit for KD or should he go somewhere else?