If the Phoenix Suns decide to explore trade options for Kevin Durant, expect the Los Angeles Clippers to be among the first to call. With championship aspirations still intact, the Clippers are reportedly eyeing the former MVP as a potential blockbuster addition.
Durant would not come cheap, of course. Even at 35, the 14-time All-Star remains one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. The Clippers would likely need to part with a combination of draft capital and a high-priced player to make a serious offer.
What the Clippers May Have to Part With to Get Kevin Durant
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed more details regarding what the Clippers would and would not offer the Phoenix Suns for Durant.
“Phoenix would assuredly try to pry Clippers 28-year-old starting center Ivica Zubac, who averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds, in any talks for Durant, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “The Clippers, however, highly value Zubac and would be reluctant to part with him.”
“Powell is one of several potential trade candidates if the Clippers ultimately try to win the Durant sweepstakes,” Scotto added. “Others include Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. The Clippers can theoretically dangle one unconditional first-round pick (2031) and two swaps (2030 and 2032).”
Story: Reporting on Kevin Durant trade talks, how the Desmond Bane trade happened and what’s next for the Grizzlies and Magic, Jonathan Kuminga suitors, three Hawks and two Celtics free agents, Pelicans, Cavs, and a Day’Ron Sharpe interview on @hoopshype. https://t.co/3Vlnx9Lpm1
– Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 16, 2025
The Suns’ interest in Ivica Zubac is understandable. Since moving on from DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix has lacked a reliable presence at center. That’s a key reason the team struggled to maximize Durant’s impact. On the other hand, the Clippers’ reluctance to include Zubac in trade talks also makes sense. Losing him would create the same void Phoenix has faced, while costing them one of the most consistent big men in the league.
Durant may still be one of the league’s most gifted scorers, but with age and contract length working against him, the Suns could be forced to reconsider their asking price. If that happens, the Clippers might be in a position to strike.
Packaging Norman Powell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Colby Jones, and key draft capital could be enough to land a future Hall of Famer at a discount. It’s the kind of gamble title-hungry teams make. For the Clippers, it might be their best shot at chasing a championship before their own window closes.
