While the 2025 NBA Finals is set to conclude with perhaps the single most important game in the NBA since 2016, that has not precluded teams from going all rowdy in the trade market. At present, the Philadelphia 76ers have their fair share of involvement on other draft-related fronts, but equally noise-filled is the ongoing bidding war for Kevin Durant.
There has been a slew of reports, often conflicting, on the actual progress of the Durant sweepstakes, but right now, there remains a huge cloud casted on his fate entering next season. Given Phoenix’s resistance to yielding to a lower return package, the Suns have ventured well outside the superstar’s list of preferred destinations, setting the offseason up for a potentially huge shocker.
The 76ers are nowhere to be found in the loop, but there is certainly a viable avenue for the front office to strike a deal for the 15-time All-Star if it so desires. However, Philly’s brass has yet to express any real interest in mounting an offer, and given this latest development, they will be even more unlikely to do so.
Ambitious asking price for Kevin Durant will make the 76ers steer clear from the superstar
Apparently, there is ample belief that the Heat are inching closer to finalizing a trade to acquire Durant from Phoenix. Miami is one of Durant’s reported preferred landing spots, although the Suns are asking for a steep price from the former — rookie standout Kel’el Ware.
Ware, who was the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft, just ahead of 76ers rookie Jared McCain, turned in a strong freshman campaign. He started off the season as an afterthought in Erick Spoelstra’s rotation, but eventually emerged as a starter for Miami later in the season, flashing a versatile and mobile game as a big man en route to an All-Rookie Team berth.
The prognosticated offers for Durant have been pretty underwhelming thus far, but there is just reason for such. After all, the superstar has expressly limited his market, and by zooming in on his preferred destinations, he has effectively shunned other suitors.
However, Phoenix’s demand for someone like Ware only proves that the 76ers were right not to seriously pursue Durant. Otherwise, they could be looking at a situation where they will have to give up a young player (ahem, McCain) to kickstart discussions.
The Philadelphia 76ers mayt be unofficially out of the running for Kevin Durant, but given his current club’s unrealistic demands, this may ultimately be for the better.