The Suns proceed to venture confidence {that a} commerce involving star ahead Kevin Durant can be agreed to earlier than June 25, the primary night time of the 2025 NBA draft, sources inform Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack hyperlink).
In line with the authors, Phoenix’s entrance workplace — led by new basic supervisor Brian Gregory — is “quietly hopeful” it is going to be in a position to land a first-round decide in a possible Durant deal to make use of subsequent Wednesday. The workforce at present controls one late first-rounder (No. 29 total) and one late second-rounder (No. 52).
Fischer and Stein level to the first-round alternatives managed by the Raptors (No. 9), Rockets (No. 10), Timberwolves (No. 17) and Warmth (No. 20) as examples of among the picks the Suns have tried to amass in Durant commerce talks. However additionally they haven’t been thrilled with the gives they’ve acquired so far, which is why a deal has but to return collectively.
Right here’s extra from The Stein Line duo:
- The Warmth have been “firmly in opposition to” together with massive man Kel’el Ware of their gives to the Suns for Durant, sources inform Fischer and Stein. The fifteenth decide of final yr’s draft, Ware was named to the All-Rookie Second Workforce in 2024/25 after a strong debut season. Phoenix is believed to be prioritizing draft capital from Miami with Ware evidently off-limits.
- Fischer and Stein affirm that the Raptors are also unwilling to half with beginning middle Jakob Poeltl to amass Durant. Assuming he isn’t moved, league sources inform The Stein Line that Toronto and the Austrian massive man have mutual curiosity in a contract extension “within the close to future.”
- Toronto continues to be lively in commerce talks, notably in relation to the draft. In line with Fischer and Stein, the Raptors have expressed an openness to shifting down from No. 9, however have additionally mentioned the potential of attempting so as to add a second lottery decide. Regardless of which decide(s) they in the end management, rival groups imagine the Raptors are centered on drafting a middle.
- The Knicks should not anticipated to rent a head coach till after subsequent week’s draft, which is able to happen over two days (the second spherical is on Thursday), one particular person conversant in the matter instructed The Stein Line. Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins interviewed for the job this week and each of the previous head coaches are believed to have “ranges of help” in New York. In line with Fischer and Stein, Brown is claimed to be shut with government William Wesley, whereas Jenkins reportedly impressed the workforce in his interview.
- Though New York was denied permission to interview Billy Donovan, the Bulls declare their extension talks with their head coach preceded that request, per Fischer and Stein. “They love him,” one supply conversant in administration’s pondering mentioned of Chicago’s fondness for Donovan. Stein first reported that the Bulls and Donovan had been finalizing an extension.
- In case you missed it, Fischer and Stein additionally reported that a number of groups have proven curiosity in Suns wing Cody Martin as a part of the Durant commerce talks.
