Heading into this offseason, Kevin Durant is one of the biggest names to watch in the NBA. As the rumor mill continues to heat up, a shocking development emerged regarding the former MVP and his preferred destinations.
For Durant, the trade chatter began at the deadline after numerous teams reportedly called the Phoenix Suns with offers. Things have only picked up since then, making it almost a guarantee that the longtime star will be playing somewhere new in 2026.
Over the weekend, Shams Charania reported that Durant has named the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets as his desired landing spots. That being said, it appears he had a wider net earlier this year. In a recent column for Yahoo Sports, Kevin O'Connor cited that KD wanted to wind up on the Boston Celtics around the deadline.
"In fact, Durant has already been denied by his top choices," O'Connor wrote. "There were rumblings at the trade deadline KD wanted to land with the Celtics or Knicks. New York’s interest reportedly isn’t mutual anymore. Boston’s cap sheet and trajectory make that scenario highly unlikely."
Armed with quality veterans on sizable deals, the Celtics could have put together an offer that might have enticed a Suns team looking to stay competitive. That said, with their roster already being so expensive, taking on a star eyeing an extension this summer could have become a sticky situation.
Adding Durant would have certainly been an upgrade for the Celtics, giving them a trio of dynamic wings capable of going off on any given night. That said, with limitations that come with being in the second apron, opting not to take on more big money was a wise decision from Brad Stevens and the front office.