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Kevin Durant almost didn’t make it to Houston. The superstar’s recent trade to the Rockets as part of a historic seven-team deal nearly took a completely different turn, one that would have sent him to Minnesota. But Durant had other plans.
Why Did Kevin Durant Kill the Minnesota Trade Deal?
According to a recent report from ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Houston Rockets almost missed out on Durant following discussions between the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves that would have sent Rudy Gobert to Phoenix.
The Suns had “in-depth discussions” with the Timberwolves about trading Kevin Durant for Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr. and the 17th pick, per @WindhorstESPN
The deal fell apart when KD made it clear he didn’t want to play in Minnesota pic.twitter.com/y4SNIAUM54
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 17, 2025
“Before taking the Rockets offer, the Suns had in-depth discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about moving Durant for a package that included star center Rudy Gobert, guard Donte DiVincenzo, promising forward Terrence Shannon Jr., and the 17th pick in this year’s draft, sources told ESPN,” Windhorst revealed.
However, with just one year left on his contract, Durant used his leverage to ensure he landed in a suitable spot. The Timberwolves weren’t on his shortlist of preferred teams, so talks faded rapidly. This decision set in motion a chain of events that changed everything.
What Would This Trade Have Meant for Bradley Beal?
“Had that deal come to fruition, there was a place for (Bradley) Beal in the lineup, and the Suns might’ve made it a priority to keep him,” Windhorst revealed when breaking the news of the failed trade. Instead, Beal was recently picked up by the Los Angeles Clippers .
BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and plans to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option after clearing waivers, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/gxZB0ObSms
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2025
According to reports, Beal is giving back $13.9 million out of the $110 million on the final two years of his contract to complete the buyout with the Suns. This move saves Phoenix $175 million in luxury tax alone as they look to move forward.
Despite the deal with Minnesota falling apart, the Suns got exactly what they wanted following the trade with Houston. They acquired Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Khaman Malucah, via the draft pick they received from Houston, moving to a more youth-based approach.
“We brought in one of the rising stars in the NBA, Jalen. “His athleticism and natural ability are off the charts. Jalen has already proven his commitment to putting in the work that excellence requires.” Suns General Manager Brian Gregory revealed after the trade.
The deal that sent Durant to the Rockets may have ended up being the best thing that could have happened to Phoenix. It allowed them to move on from the trades they made in 2023 in a failed attempt to challenge for a title, giving them the freedom to build around young talent like Devin Booker, Green and Malucah.
