The Minnesota Timberwolves have suddenly emerged as the leading contenders to land Kevin Durant in what could become the most high-profile trade of the 2025 NBA offseason. 

According to Zach Lowe of The Zach Lowe Show, the Timberwolves now sit atop the “buzz” rankings in the Durant sweepstakes, leapfrogging previous favorites like the Houston Rockets and even the San Antonio Spurs, who were once thought to be in a near-done deal with the future Hall of Famer.

"I would say the buzz order right now, if I had to do a buzz rank is Minnesota."

Just a week ago, it seemed like Durant was quietly headed to San Antonio. Reports of mutual interest and a potential secret deal surrounding the NBA Draft had fueled widespread speculation. 

But momentum has shifted rapidly, and now Minnesota, fresh off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, is aggressively exploring a deal to bring Durant to the Twin Cities.

This is more than a pipe dream. Shams Charania confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that Minnesota, Houston, and Miami are now the three most serious contenders for Durant. While nothing can be made official until July 1 due to second-apron financial restrictions, trade frameworks are being actively discussed behind the scenes.

For Minnesota, the logic is simple. They've built a bruising, elite defensive team behind Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. What they’ve lacked in both playoff exits has been a dependable secondary scoring option to relieve pressure off Edwards late in games. Enter Kevin Durant.

Despite being 36, Durant remains one of the most efficient and lethal scorers in basketball. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from deep during the 2024–25 season. 

Even as the Phoenix Suns collapsed around him, finishing 36–46 and missing the play-in entirely, Durant remained their lone bright spot. When he wasn’t on the floor, the Suns went just 3–17.

Durant’s fit next to Edwards would instantly give Minnesota one of the most potent one-two punches in the league. The idea of Edwards slicing into the paint while Durant punishes defenders with pull-up jumpers and off-ball cuts is nightmarish for any defense. However, putting together a trade package will be difficult.

Anthony Edwards is off-limits, and Naz Reid and Julius Randle, acquired at the deadline, would have to opt in to their contracts to be trade-eligible.

That leaves Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and future draft picks as potential assets in a Durant trade. McDaniels, in particular, could be the key. At $24.4 million per year and just 24 years old, he represents both immediate value and long-term upside. 

Gobert’s salary would help match Durant’s $54.7 million for next season, but whether Phoenix wants an aging big man with limited offensive upside is unclear.

The Rockets remain in the mix, though it’s reported that acquiring Durant would require them to part with both Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., a heavy price for a win-now swing. The Heat are always lurking, but their assets may not match Minnesota’s combination of win-now talent and picks.

As of now, the Timberwolves are the frontrunners and for good reason. They’re close. They’ve tasted the edge of greatness. Durant might be the final step in their evolution from a feel-good story into legitimate title favorites. 

If the deal happens, the West could be looking at a new superpower, led by a cold-blooded scorer and a rising superstar ready to take the crown.