BREAKING NEWS: Los Angeles Clippers Reportedly Working on Blockbuster Trade to Acquire Kevin Durant from Phoenix Suns, AP Source Says
LOS ANGELES, CA — June 7, 2025 — In a development that could shake the foundation of the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly working on a blockbuster trade to acquire 14-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, a league source familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Friday.
While details of the proposed trade package remain fluid, the talks have gained serious momentum in recent days, with both teams expressing interest in finalizing a deal before the 2025 NBA Draft later this month. The Clippers, still in search of their elusive first NBA championship, view Durant as the final piece in their title puzzle, especially as they prepare for a new chapter in the Intuit Dome.
A New Era in Los Angeles?
Should the trade go through, it would mark one of the most significant transactions in Clippers history. The team, led by front office executive Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer, has reportedly made acquiring Durant a priority after yet another disappointing playoff exit. With Kawhi Leonard’s injury history and Paul George’s uncertain contract situation, the franchise is believed to be looking for a superstar to anchor the next three-to-four years.
“Kevin Durant remains one of the best scorers and shot creators in NBA history,” the source told the AP. “The Clippers want to capitalize on their championship window before it closes. They view Durant as that elite-level player who can lead them over the hump.”
Possible Trade Framework
While no official trade package has been confirmed, league insiders suggest that the Suns are seeking a haul that includes multiple first-round draft picks, young assets, and possibly a combination of current rotation players. The Clippers could include rising guard Bones Hyland, sharpshooter Norman Powell, and big man Ivica Zubac, in addition to draft capital, to match salaries and sweeten the deal.
Additionally, Terrence Mann and Kobe Brown have also drawn interest from Phoenix as potential trade chips, sources say. The Suns, meanwhile, are looking to reshape their roster around Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, possibly pursuing a more youth-driven approach or retooling for depth and defense.
Suns’ Shift in Direction
Kevin Durant, 36, joined the Suns in February 2023 in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets that was meant to create an instant championship contender. But after two underwhelming playoff runs—both ending without a Finals appearance—questions have emerged about the team’s future and Durant’s long-term role.
New head coach Mike Budenholzer, who took over in May after Frank Vogel’s firing, reportedly wants a more balanced roster with depth and defense. Durant’s exit would allow Phoenix to shed salary, add multiple young pieces, and potentially reshape their identity.
The Suns owe significant luxury tax penalties heading into next season. Trading Durant—who is owed nearly $104 million over the next two years—could provide financial relief while setting them up for a strategic reset.
Durant’s Future: A California Reunion?
If Durant lands in Los Angeles, it would be a homecoming of sorts. A native of Washington, D.C., Durant has long had strong ties to California, spending three dominant seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA titles and two Finals MVPs. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard, if healthy, would give the Clippers two elite two-way forwards with championship pedigree.
The Clippers, who recently moved into the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, are seeking a fresh identity after years of falling short in the playoffs. A trio of Durant, Leonard, and possibly George (depending on whether he’s included in the deal or re-signed in free agency) would instantly make them one of the favorites in the West.
However, the Clippers will need to navigate the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which places heavy restrictions on teams above the second tax apron. Any deal for Durant will require strategic maneuvering both in salary matching and long-term cap flexibility.
League Reactions Pour In
The news sent shockwaves through the NBA world, with fans, analysts, and insiders reacting swiftly on social media.
Former NBA coach and ESPN analyst Stan Van Gundy tweeted: “If Durant joins the Clippers, they’re an instant title contender. But they’ll need to stay healthy. Big risk, big reward.”
Veteran reporter Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN also chimed in: “Clippers have long coveted a true offensive centerpiece. Durant fits the bill. Talks are serious, but still fluid.”
Meanwhile, Suns fans are divided—some grateful for Durant’s brief but memorable stint, others frustrated with the lack of playoff success.
What’s Next?
While no trade is imminent as of Friday evening, both the Clippers and Suns are motivated to strike a deal before the 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 26. That date will be critical, as it would allow Phoenix to utilize any acquired draft picks immediately and give the Clippers time to restructure their roster for the upcoming season.
Should the deal materialize, it would instantly reshape the balance of power in the Western Conference, with the Clippers joining the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves as top contenders.
For Durant, it could represent his final act on a championship journey that has taken him from Oklahoma City to Golden State to Brooklyn to Phoenix—and now, potentially, to Los Angeles.
Final Thoughts
This potential trade underscores the shifting dynamics of modern NBA superteams. The Clippers are all in on winning now, willing to absorb the risk that comes with Durant’s age and injury history. The Suns, by contrast, appear to be recalibrating their strategy, possibly valuing long-term flexibility over short-term star power.
If completed, the trade would be one of the biggest moves of the 2025 offseason—and perhaps a defining moment in the Clippers’ f
ranchise history.
More to come as this story develops.
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