With a plethora of teams reportedly fighting draft assets and players for the once-in-a-generation skillset Kevin Durant possesses, the LA Clippers have a massive bidding war to overcome in terms of their proposed package before the summer ends. The Phoenix Suns seem adamant about who they want from each front office, but because Durant will be a free agent next summer, teams are unwilling to part ways with an untouchable piece.
The Clippers could easily finalize the deal by shipping Ivica Zubac to Phoenix. Still, the furthest extent LA will likely go is an offer of Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanović, Derrick Jones Jr., and possibly a combination of future first-round picks if that will persuade the Suns to budge.
However, the offer Phoenix ends up accepting depends on their plan. They could be on board with still competing through Devin Booker's prowess, which could result in the Clippers landing Kevin Durant, or they may see a more successful path in a younger team, giving the Houston Rockets leverage for the all-time great.
Nonetheless, the Clippers' hands have just received some added weight, as another premier, young Western Conference contender is rumored to be in the running for Durant's dominance of the NBA.
After trading Desmond Bane, the Memphis Grizzlies may be looking to elevate by adding Kevin Durant
According to a report from Evan Sidery, an NBA writer for Forbes, the Memphis Grizzlies could hunt down Kevin Durant to pair next to Ja Morant, arguably the most electric guard in the NBA. These two, next to Jaren Jackson Jr., would be a top-three seed for as long as Durant has left to play.
BREAKING: The Grizzlies recently entered the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, per a source familiar with the situation.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 18, 2025
After trading Desmond Bane, Memphis is revisiting their interest on Durant after a failed pursuit in February.
Any team that trades for Durant owns his Bird Rights. pic.twitter.com/Cac2cETM9Z
Conversely, the Grizzlies being in the running means the Clippers have another name to outbid and another worry next season within a loaded Western Conference, based on how well Durant performs in Memphis if he is traded.
Furthermore, to earnestly contend with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Grizzlies may be open to letting go of Scottie Pippen Jr. as well as salary fillers and picks for the four-time scoring champion.
This keeps Memphis' core strong while adding one of the best players in the world, who has appeared in the NBA Finals several times and won twice, both against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That said, if what Sidery has reported is true, and Memphis is in the raffle, the Clippers' vision with Durant next to Kawhi Leonard and James Harden has dropped significantly.