In the KD trading battle, 5 teams compete, the Spurs become the hottest next home, long-term contract is the key

On June 12, according to ESPN famous reporter Shams Charania, the agent of the Phoenix Suns and Durant, Rich Kleiman, is screening potential trading options, and five teams including the Spurs, Rockets, Timberwolves, Heat, and Knicks have become major contenders.

According to previous news from Hoops Wire reporter Sam Amico, Durant himself prefers to join the Spurs, hoping to form a super forward combination with Wenban Yama.

Shams pointed out in the report that whether Durant can obtain a long-term contract will be a key factor in whether the deal can be achieved. Currently, Durant has only one last year left in his contract (annual salary of $54.7 million in 2025-26), and he will be 37 years old in September. Therefore, any team that trades his may face the following options:

Short term rental: Use Durant for only one year, to strive for the championship.

Long-term contract renewal: Provide a 2-3-year contract to ensure that KD can live a lifetime in the team. If the Spurs, Rockets and other teams want to truly attract Durant, they may need to promise a contract renewal of 100 million+ for two years, otherwise the transaction negotiations may be deadlocked.

There was news earlier that Durant himself prefers to join the Spurs. A league source revealed to Hoops Wire that Durant hopes the Suns trade him to San Antonio.

If this deal comes true, Durant will form a super double tower with Vampang Yama. The two averaged 26.6 points and 24.3 points per game this season. The super strong internal and external combination will surely reshape the Western Conference pattern.

The Rockets have a lot of salary space and draft picks. If they can get Durant, they will undoubtedly accelerate the reconstruction process; the Timberwolves are eager to use Durant's experience and strength to break through the playoff bottleneck; the Heat have always been known for their "iron-blooded culture". If they can recruit Durant, the team will have more confidence in the championship;

As a team in the big-season, the Knicks' attractiveness to superstars is self-evident. If they can sign Durant, the box office and record are expected to have a good harvest.

Durant's trading negotiations have entered a critical stage, and the Spurs are currently leading the way, but the Rockets, Heat and other teams are still eyeing them. In the next two weeks, Durant's whereabouts may determine the NBA's championship competition next season.