Ever since the NBA trade deadline a month ago, rumors surrounding Kevin Durant and the Minnesota Timberwolves have been swirling. We know that Tim Connelly and the Wolves' front office inquired about trading for the Phoenix Suns' superstar, but a potential deal fell through at the last minute. Since then, the conversation about Durant has remained alive due to legitimate reports that Minnesota could go after him again this coming offseason.
There are of course varying opinions on whether the Timberwolves should even consider making such a move. It would be a controversial one without question, given that Minnesota would be changing their direction in favor of adding an aging star to put alongside the young Anthony Edwards. But after the latest report on what Phoenix's asking price would be for Durant, it becomes pretty clear that the Wolves should avoid pursuing this situation entirely.
According to Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin, the Suns would want a significant return for their star player. He writes: The most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal tied to getting under the second apron.
The Suns want "three first-round picks and a young player" for Durant
This makes a lot of sense given Phoenix's situation. They clearly want to free up roster flexibility, and getting back under the second apron is the fastest way to do that. If you are the Suns, you absolutely have to push for this kind of outcome. But from the Timberwolves' side of things, if Phoenix demanded this kind of package, the best move would be to back away swiftly.
Three first-round picks? And a young player? First of all, Minnesota barely has the draft capital to satisfy the first part of those conditions. The Detroit Pistons' pick in the upcoming draft is likely to be the best pick they will have to offer. Secondly, sacrificing a talented young guy for a player turning 37 before the start of next season would be far from the wisest move. Especially if the Suns begin asking for Jaden McDaniels.
If what Rankin is reporting here ends up being the actual asking price Phoenix puts in front of the Timberwolves this summer, they would do best to sprint in the other direction. Having Anthony Edwards' favorite player in Minnesota would be fun, but giving up so much to get him would certainly be less than ideal.