A hypothetical 3-team Kevin Durant trade the Timberwolves should consider

NBA trade rumors suggest a hypothetical three-team deal involving the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Phoenix Suns. Reports indicate Kevin Durant prefers San Antonio as a trade destination, despite Minnesota showing the most aggressive pursuit. This proposed trade aims to benefit all parties and satisfy Durant.

The Spurs, holding the No. 2 overall draft pick, are expected to select Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper despite having De'Aaron Fox and rookie Stephon Castle in their backcourt, creating a potential fit issue due to overlapping styles and limited outside shooting. The trade would allow San Antonio to add Harper to their young core (Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson) around Victor Wembanyama, while acquiring Durant to create an immediate championship-contending roster.

The Suns, seeking to remain competitive, would receive Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the deal, along with a young player like Jeremy Sochan. Draft compensation, potentially including Minnesota's future 2030 first-round pick (previously traded to San Antonio), could be added by Minnesota and/or San Antonio to facilitate the trade.

For the Timberwolves, acquiring 27-year-old former All-NBA point guard De'Aaron Fox is seen as a logical basketball move. Fox is viewed as an ideal backcourt partner for Anthony Edwards, though his contract expires after the 2025-26 season. Minnesota would essentially trade the package received for Karl-Anthony Towns, excluding the No. 17 overall pick. Analyst Shams Charania reported Minnesota is actively exploring multi-team trade scenarios (3 or 4 teams) to potentially acquire Durant or facilitate a deal. However, reports state Durant has no interest in playing in Minnesota, and the Wolves may not need him, making a move for a prime point guard like Fox more sensible.