NBA insider delivers harsh truth on Timberwolves-Kevin Durant trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves' pursuit of Kevin Durant has been well-known since the trade deadline. However, ESPN's Shams Charania recently stated that Durant has "no desire" to be in Minnesota. This harsh reality comes after Shams reported on Saturday that Durant's preferred landing spots are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat. Given this, a Timberwolves-Durant trade feels highly unlikely now.

Interestingly, Shams noted that the Suns' recent focus has been on the Timberwolves, Heat, and Rockets. Additionally, it's been reported that Durant's preferences will not be the deciding factor. As a result, a possible Wolves-Durant trade might not be completely dead yet. Nevertheless, trading for a star who openly doesn't want to be somewhere is a recipe for disaster, and the Wolves will likely go in another direction.

Durant's reasons for not welcoming a trade to Minnesota are unclear

It's fairly surprising that Durant isn't open to a Wolves trade, as they give him a clear chance to win a title. Furthermore, Durant has a known friendship with Anthony Edwards. Durant would give the Wolves some much-needed shot creation next to Edwards and could be the missing piece to their title hopes.

One possible reason that Durant might not want to be traded to Minnesota is that they might not be willing to give him the full extension he's eligible for. Notably, Durant could earn a two-year, $122 million extension. Durant turns 37 in September and has an extensive injury history, so, understandably, the Wolves might be hesitant to extend him at least immediately. The Athletic noted this as a possible holdup from the Wolves' perspective. However, if they are willing to trade for Durant, it's expected they would extend him.

Market size and avoiding state income tax could be other factors in Durant's preferences. Regardless, none of these are confirmed reasons. Whatever Durant's reasons are, it's clear that he doesn't want to be traded to Minnesota.

The Wolves must pivot

Durant would have been an ideal fit, and the Wolves did everything possible to explore trading for him. However, when a star player says he doesn't want to be somewhere, it would be foolish to continue trying to trade for him. With a clear need for perimeter shot creation and playmaking, the Wolves should pursue players such as Darius Garland and Coby White. Pivoting to Garland or White could give the Wolves an All-Star-level player at a position of need.

Alternatively, running it back with a roster that just made the Western Conference Finals and making improvements around the edges isn't the worst idea in the world. Ultimately, despite the Wolves seemingly being out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, there are plenty of avenues for them to have a successful offseason.