The Phoenix Suns are intensifying Kevin Durant trade discussions with a deal expected before the NBA Draft. Three franchises have emerged as the primary contenders: the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

According to Shams Charania, the Suns have received interest from six to eight teams but have focused recent conversations on the three frontrunners. Serious negotiations have developed over the past 48 hours with multiple offers on the table.

Durant's contract situation adds complexity to potential deals. The superstar is entering the final year of his current deal, earning $54.7 million in 2025-26 before becoming a free agent.

Durant's expiring contract opens possibilities for both contending teams seeking a championship rental and franchises willing to offer long-term extensions. This dynamic mirrors the Toronto Raptors' successful 2018-19 gamble on Kawhi Leonard, which resulted in an NBA championship.

Teams pursuing Durant must weigh the risk of a one-year commitment against the potential reward of adding a generational talent. His unrestricted free agency status in 2026-27 could attract unexpected suitors willing to make short-term moves.

"There is some serious traction on conversations, on trade scenarios," Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. "They've had about six to eight teams reach out. There's been interest. There's been some offers. There's been some negotiation."

The Suns appear motivated to complete a trade quickly, potentially before the NBA draft on Wednesday, June 25.

"But really in the last 24 to 48 hours, I'm told, the focus of the Suns' conversations has been on a few of the teams," Charania added. "The Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Those are the three teams right now where a lot of the focus lies."