As Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals approaches, all eyes are on Kevin Durant — but not just for his legacy. In a shocking twist that has sent waves across the league, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now rumored to be slamming the brakes on trade talks with the Phoenix Suns over the superstar forward. And the reason? They’re demanding one thing first: Kevin Durant has to want them back.
Yes, that’s right. According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, Minnesota has reportedly drawn a hard line in the sand. “Minnesota is not gonna play ball until they get signal Kevin wants to play there,” Amick stated bluntly, confirming that the Wolves refuse to offer up a big package unless Durant himself gives the green light.
In what some are calling a “power move,” the Timberwolves appear to be taking a bold gamble. Despite being a team loaded with talent and having just reached the Western Conference Finals, they’re not ready to gut their roster — unless Durant commits to more than just a one-year rental. League sources say Minnesota’s top brass is adamant about protecting its momentum and avoiding an identity-shattering overhaul.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are playing their own game of chess. Per Amick and beat reporter Jon Krawczynski, the Suns have made it crystal clear to Durant’s camp: they want a win-now return — not picks, not projects. “The Suns have made it clear to Durant’s camp that they need to prioritize the best return for the team in a deal,” the report noted. Their focus? Plug-and-play talent that can run alongside Bradley Beal and Devin Booker.
Among the names circling this swirling vortex of rumor and possibility: Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Gobert, still under contract and a defensive titan with four DPOY awards, could provide the frontcourt anchor Phoenix craves. Randle, meanwhile, is likely being floated as part of a multi-team web to make the numbers work. But for now, Minnesota isn’t budging.
Sources suggest that unless Durant breaks his silence and signals he’s ready to embrace Minnesota as home, the Wolves will not sacrifice their core — not even for a generational scorer like KD. “There’s internal alignment on this,” one insider revealed. “They’re not risking the chemistry and trajectory they’ve built on a maybe.”
Other suitors have emerged — the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat have all reportedly tried to enter the fray. But none have met Phoenix’s towering expectations. The Suns, still hungry to capitalize on Durant’s value, are keeping the door open — but only if a deal delivers immediate competitive firepower.
Durant, now 36 but still electric, posted 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this past season, shooting a scorching 52.7% from the floor and 43% from deep. He’s entering the final guaranteed year of his deal, worth a staggering $54.7 million — making this summer a now-or-never window for Phoenix to make a blockbuster move.
As the NBA offseason simmers and tensions rise, one thing is certain: the Timberwolves aren’t just playing defense on the court — they’re playing it in the boardroom too. If Durant wants Minnesota, he’ll need to say it. Loudly.
Until then, the NBA waits.
