It is widely believed that NBA veteran Kevin Durant has played his last game for the Phoenix Suns, and speculation has already begun on his next potential destination. With mere weeks to go before the official start of free agency, the Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a potential contender, joining the Timberwolves and Knicks in the "Kevin Durant sweepstakes," according to league sources. The 2025 NBA offseason is slated to be a busy one with an unprecedented amount of player movement, and with a limited free agent pool, the trade market is the primary avenue for teams seeking to improve.

The Atlanta Hawks, in particular, will be actively searching for an upgrade at several positions. The team has been somewhat irrelevant since their surprising run to the Conference Finals in 2021. Beyond superstar Trae Young, they have yet to land another elite franchise player and have spent the last few years in NBA purgatory, finishing eighth last season (40-42). Acquiring a player of Durant's caliber, even at 36, could be the breakthrough the Hawks need to contend for an NBA title in the Eastern Conference.

Despite his age, Kevin Durant may still have years left as an All-Star player. His career achievements are extensive, and his on-court impact remains significant, with averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 52.7% shooting in the recent season. His presence instantly elevates any offense, and his consistent shot-making provides a crucial option in clutch moments. For the Phoenix Suns, who endured a miserable season finishing 11th in the West (36-46), trading Durant, who is on the books for $51 million next season, is compelling. They aim to get assets in return rather than risk him walking for nothing next summer.

One league source suggested that Hawks team ownership has already inquired internally about Durant, even before hiring a new president of basketball operations. A potential trade package for Durant would be substantial. Initial thoughts indicated the Hawks might need to consider offering a package including young talents like Zaccharie Risacher, Terance Mann, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu, potentially along with multiple first-round picks. Such a deal would significantly alter the Hawks' supporting cast.

However, with players like Clint Capela and Caris LeVert set to become free agents this summer, the Hawks possess some flexibility to reshape their roster. After years of mediocrity and perceived failures in the Trae Young era, the organization recognizes the pressing need for another star to ease Young's burden and balance the offense. It appears almost anyone on the current roster could be expendable as Atlanta considers all options to build a contender around their star point guard.

More recent reports from The Athletic’s Kelly Iko suggest that the Phoenix Suns have “gradually lowered their asking price” for the 2013-14 MVP amid trade talks, notably with the Houston Rockets. This development could open a more feasible path for the Hawks. A specific trade proposal floated involves sending Jalen Johnson, whose $30 million salary in 2025-26 would serve as ballast, and Terance Mann (with a $15 million salary in 2025-26) to Phoenix, along with draft capital. Such a deal would crucially allow the Hawks to retain Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu.

Even with a lowered asking price, acquiring Durant would be costly. While Jalen Johnson is a strong starting point for a trade package, Terance Mann is viewed by some as little more than salary filler. The draft capital involved could also be an issue, as the Hawks will only have access to their own first-round picks from 2029 through 2032 once the upcoming draft begins. This could put Atlanta at a disadvantage compared to teams like the Rockets, who might be able to offer multiple young players without stripping their core as significantly.

Jalen Johnson is undeniably a talented young player, but his own injury history presents a potential obstacle. He has played in at least 60 games only once in his five NBA seasons. The Suns would likely seek at least one other young player to enhance the return package, especially since any draft picks received directly from the Hawks would take years to convey.

A significant concern for any team trading for Durant is his extensive injury history. The Houston Rockets, for instance, are reportedly cautious about breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off an injury. Durant appeared in 62 games in the 2024-25 season, missing the final seven outings with an ankle injury. While he made 75 starts in 2023-24, that was his first season with at least 60 appearances since 2018-19. His past major injuries include a calf injury during the 2019 playoffs and a subsequent torn Achilles in the NBA Finals that same year.

While Kevin Durant has shown resilience, playing 62 games last season after previous injuries, the Atlanta Hawks would be wise to remain leery of surrendering an excessive amount of assets for him. The potential pairing of Trae Young and Kevin Durant is tantalizing, but the Hawks must carefully weigh the substantial risks associated with Durant's age, his contract, and his injury record against the undeniable upside he brings to a team aspiring for championship contention.