The Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a potential trade destination for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, who’s entering the final year of his massive $194.21 million contract.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst report the Clippers are a “team to monitor” in the Durant sweepstakes. They “have the contracts to make another move” to build around Kawhi Leonard and possibly James Harden.
There’s an “increasingly strong belief” around the NBA that the Suns will trade Durant before the June 25 draft, according to insider Jake Fischer.
Five teams have already shown interest in the 35-year-old forward: the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.
The Knicks have reportedly backed out, with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post saying they “will not be dealing for the future Hall of Famer.”
The Clippers might be getting serious about Durant after suffering their third straight first-round playoff exit this season. Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell are all set to return next year.
Harden’s Decision Looms Large
Harden has a $36.34 million player option for next season. If he turns it down by the June 29 deadline, he’ll become a free agent this summer.
The good news for Clippers fans? The team has plenty of financial flexibility.
Even with Harden’s option and their first-round pick, L.A. sits $12 million below the tax line and $20 million under the first apron, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
They could create even more wiggle room with the non-guaranteed deals of Drew Eubanks ($4.8 million) and Jordan Miller ($2.1 million).
The Clippers also have their midlevel exception and three trade exceptions worth $6.5 million, $4.2 million, and $2.1 million to work with.
What Can the Clippers Actually Offer?
Here’s where things get tricky.
The Clippers don’t control their first-round picks for the next four years. They owe an unprotected 2026 first to Oklahoma City, and the Thunder can swap picks in 2027.
They also owe Philadelphia an unprotected 2028 first-rounder, and the 76ers can swap in 2029.
L.A. can only trade two future firsts (2030 and 2032) plus five second-round picks.
This draft pick shortage means they can’t afford to give up valuable role players. The team already lacks bench depth and wants to develop young talents Cam Christie and Kobe Brown.
If Nicolas Batum opts out of his $4.9 million deal, the Clippers would be left with just Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. as reliable bench players.
Is Durant Worth the Risk?
Durant can become a free agent in 2026, making it unlikely the Clippers would trade valuable assets for a star who might only stick around for one season.
Despite being in his mid-30s, Durant was still incredibly productive last season. In 62 games with Phoenix, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting an impressive 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
Durant could sign a two-year, $124 million extension right after the NBA Finals end. Alternatively, he could sign a two-year deal worth up to $112 million on July 6.
For the Clippers, landing Durant would create a potentially devastating trio with Leonard and Harden. But the question remains: at what cost, and for how long?
