BREAKING NEWS: Phoenix Suns Timberwolves’ One Condition for Kevin Durant Emerges Amid Trade Talks……….. view more

BREAKING development in the Kevin Durant trade saga between the Suns and Timberwolves…. veiw more 

According to The Arizona Republic (via dueling reports from Jasmyn Wimbish at CBS Sports and Will Ragatz at SI), the Suns are firm on this requirement:

• They want a package that gives them three first-round draft picks plus at least one young, high-upside player.
• More than that, the deal must help Phoenix drop below the NBA’s second luxury-tax apron, restoring long-term cap flexibility

That’s the single stipulation: 3 firsts + a young player, tied to financial relief.

Timberwolves Position: Matching a Tall Order

Minnesota remains a serious contender—but faces multiple hurdles:

• The Wolves can’t trade Anthony Edwards or Jaden McDaniels, their core figures
• They have explored sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, and even Rudy Gobert, but those deals fell short
• Crucially, Minnesota lacks enough future first-round picks to match Phoenix’s condition: they only own this year’s (Detroit’s via Brooklyn) and their 2028 pick

Why This Matters Right Now

• Timing is critical: Phoenix wants to deal Durant before the June 25 NBA Draft in order to secure draft assets and clear space ahead of free agency
• For Minnesota, pairing Durant with Anthony Edwards—whom Durant mentors—is tempting, but would require-heavy restructuring, future cap sacrifices, and major draft capital .

 Final Take

The SKINNY: Phoenix says “3 firsts + a young asset, plus salary relief.”
Minnesota wants KD but can’t offer both the picks and cap space Phoenix is demanding.

Unless the Wolves—and potentially other teams—can get creative with assets, picks, and additional trade partners, the Suns’ condition stands as a near-impossible hurdle.

As Trade Deadline buzz heats up, keep an eye on whether Minnesota, Houston, Miami, San Antonio, or even New York step forward with matching proposals.