Durant to Rockets & Timberwolves Reset | NBA News
- The Minnesota Timberwolves' pursuit of Kevin Durant has ended.
- Minnesota expressed interest in acquiring Durant dating back to February's trade deadline.However, Durant apparently did not reciprocate that interest.Reports last week indicated Durant had a preferred list of...
- A source indicated that a trade between the Timberwolves and Suns was "unlikely," despite the mutual admiration between Durant and Anthony Edwards.
Kevin Durant is headed to Houston, not Minnesota, marking a significant shift in the NBA landscape. The Timberwolves’ hopes of landing the superstar have been dashed, as the Phoenix Suns struck a deal with the Rockets. We analyze the details of this trade, including the players and draft picks involved, and the impact on both teams’ futures. The Rockets gain a major asset while the Timberwolves shift their focus to retaining key free agents Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, plus the upcoming NBA draft. Read how this trade impacts both the rockets’ and Timberwolves’ role in next season’s title hunt. News Directory 3 delivers breaking stories. Discover what’s next for these teams as they navigate the new reality.
Durant trade: Timberwolves Miss Out, Rockets Land Star
Updated June 22, 2025
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ pursuit of Kevin Durant has ended. Weeks of speculation concluded Sunday when ESPN reported that the Phoenix Suns agreed to trade Durant to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are sending Jalen Green,Dillon Brooks,the No. 10 overall pick in this week’s NBA draft, and multiple second-round picks to Phoenix.
Minnesota expressed interest in acquiring Durant dating back to February’s trade deadline.However, Durant apparently did not reciprocate that interest.Reports last week indicated Durant had a preferred list of teams for a contract extension, and the Timberwolves were not among them. The rockets, however, were on that list.
A source indicated that a trade between the Timberwolves and Suns was “unlikely,” despite the mutual admiration between Durant and Anthony Edwards. Durant was Edwards’ favorite player growing up, and Durant has spoken highly of playing with Edwards during the 2024 Olympics, where they won a gold medal together.
Despite their interest in the Kevin Durant trade, the Timberwolves value the team depth that propelled them to consecutive Western Conference finals appearances. With the Durant situation resolved, the team can now concentrate on retaining their own free agents. Julius Randle and Naz Reid both have player options,while Nickeil Alexander-Walker is an unrestricted free agent. The Timberwolves also hold the No. 17 and no. 31 overall picks in the upcoming NBA draft, which begins Wednesday.
Reid is expected to opt out of his contract, a source saeid. His option is valued at approximately $15 million. Randle’s option is worth $30.9 million, which might incentivize him to stay, given the limited spending money available to many teams this free agency. Alexander-Walker is projected to command up to the full midlevel exception, around $14 million.
The Timberwolves may face challenges in retaining all three players while staying under the luxury tax’s second apron, which carries roster-building restrictions.If forced to choose, alexander-Walker might be the most likely to depart.
What’s next
The Timberwolves will now focus on the NBA draft and free agency, aiming to maintain their competitive roster while navigating luxury tax constraints. The team’s ability to retain key free agents will be crucial for their continued success in the Western conference.