PHOENIX — As the 2025 offseason begins, the Phoenix Suns find themselves surrounded by several pressing storylines — none more significant than the future of Kevin Durant.
Durant was originally brought in at the trade deadline a few seasons ago with hopes of finally delivering the franchise its first NBA title. However, that dream remains unfulfilled.
After making efforts to trade Durant at this year’s deadline, it now appears increasingly likely that the two sides will part ways before the start of the new season.
Raptors Enter the Durant Conversation?
Considering Durant’s elite talent and continued ability to contribute at a high level, the Suns are expected to draw widespread interest in the former MVP. So far, teams such as the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to him.
Now, it seems another team might be throwing its hat into the ring.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared an update suggesting the Toronto Raptors may be preparing to make a major move this summer.
> “The Raptors are a team that is starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish,” Windhorst said (h/t Raptors on SI). “There are some teams that sniff the ability to make a move and I think Toronto is one of those teams.
> “Teams in the league are getting the impression that Toronto is going to try to do something. I had an executive tell me yesterday that he thinks this could be — could be — could be an explosive summer. Toronto is one of those teams that is sitting there on the balls of its feet.”
Both Durant and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo are considered the biggest names possibly available on the trade market. While Antetokounmpo may hold more value, not every team will get the chance to acquire him — if he’s even made available.
That could leave the Suns in a holding pattern as the market for Antetokounmpo unfolds. Additionally, Phoenix still has to finalize a head coaching hire before moving forward with major roster decisions.
Though few predicted a Durant-to-Toronto scenario at the start of the offseason, the fit isn’t out of the question. The Raptors are well-positioned financially, not being a luxury tax team, and they hold control of all their future first-round picks — including the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After landing Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, Toronto appears fully committed to pushing forward — and Kevin Durant could be their next big swing.
