As the NBA offseason looms, the Kevin Durant rumor mill is once again in full swing. After a turbulent end to the Phoenix Suns’ 2024-25 campaign, speculation is intensifying around a potential trade—and this time, a new and unexpected contender is entering the conversation: the Los Angeles Clippers.
On Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Suns insider John Gambadoro dropped a surprising nugget during The Burns & Gambo Show, identifying the Clippers as a “sleeper team” in the Durant sweepstakes. While perennial suitors like the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Spurs have dominated headlines, Gambadoro suggested mutual interest may already exist between Phoenix and Los Angeles.
“We’ve never talked about the Clippers before,” he said, “but they’ve got Zubac, Kris Dunn, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr… The Clippers are a team I’ve heard mentioned.”
That package—comprised of battle-tested, high-energy role players—represents exactly the kind of depth and defensive versatility the Suns lacked last season. Ivica Zubac would offer much-needed size and rim protection. Dunn brings elite perimeter defense. Powell remains a consistent scoring threat, and Derrick Jones Jr. adds athleticism and switchable defense on the wing. Rather than chasing another superstar to pair with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Phoenix may finally be shifting its philosophy toward balance and flexibility.
There’s financial urgency, too. The Suns are well into the second tax apron, saddled with a $228 million payroll and virtually no room to maneuver unless they offload a max contract. With a new front office in place—Jordan Ott as head coach and Brian Gregory as general manager—Phoenix has reportedly begun fielding offers for Durant, according to NBA reporter Evan Sidery. A trade with the Clippers could deliver both cap relief and immediate rotational help.
Los Angeles Clippers Hunting For A Name In New NBA Trade Rumors
From L.A.’s perspective, a potential Durant acquisition aligns with a broader offseason strategy. As reported by NBA insider Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm, the Clippers are actively “hunting for a name”—specifically, aging stars with championship experience. Durant fits that profile perfectly. At 36, he’s coming off another highly efficient season, averaging 26.6 points per game on 52.7% shooting, including 43% from three. Though injuries have hampered his availability at times, his scoring prowess remains elite.
The move wouldn’t be without risk. Pairing Durant with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden would create a Big Three capable of challenging any team in the West, but the formula sounds eerily familiar. It mirrors the very experiment that flamed out in Phoenix: star-studded, top-heavy, and vulnerable to injuries and depth issues. For a Clippers team that just took the defending champion Nuggets to seven games, the question is whether doubling down on star power is worth sacrificing roster balance—again.
Still, the allure is undeniable. Durant’s presence could elevate the Clippers from dark horse to title favorite. The core is already in place. The ambition is clear. And with both teams eyeing vastly different futures—Phoenix seeking structure and sustainability, L.A. swinging for one last championship shot—the foundations for a deal are starting to take shape.
As the offseason begins to unfold, all eyes will be on the Suns’ willingness to pivot and the Clippers’ resolve to make a bold move. A potential trade for Kevin Durant could reshape not just the rosters involved, but the entire Western Conference landscape.