The Kevin Durant trade talks are heating up. Earlier tonight, Shams Charania reported that Miami, San Antonio, and Houston are The Slim Reaper’s three preferred destinations out of Phoenix, where he is willing to commit long term. This was an instant dagger to the hearts of Timberwolves fans who were hoping for a Durant-Edwards reunion in Minnesota, a year after their successful Paris Olympics run together.

The hopes were further shattered when Minnesota reporter Jon Krawczynski revealed that the Wolves have deemed their young star Jaden McDaniels ‘untouchable’ amid the KD trade talks. Well, Jaden is a rising star with immense potential, who has shown constant year-on-year improvement. He was a key part of his team’s recent Conference Finals run. In the playoffs, he averaged 14.7 points and nearly six rebounds. So, the reluctance to trade a player with such a high ceiling seems understandable.

However, even with Durant reportedly not considering Minnesota as his preferred destination and Timberwolves unwilling to trade McDaniels, Krawczynski believes there is still hope for a miraculous union. “Jimmy Butler initially wanted Phoenix over Golden State. So, things can change. But this is why I said nothing was close.” He tweeted.

Yes, before Butler got traded to the Warriors, there was massive buzz about him joining forces with Durant in Phoenix. Reports suggested that even KD wanted to team up with his former Rio Olympics teammate. Per ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, “From my sources… the Suns have a 2-year, $121 million extension waiting on Jimmy… Kevin Durant wants Jimmy Butler, and if he does get Jimmy Butler… they’ll both gonna sign contract extensions.”

Turns out, even Butler wanted to join the Suns, per Jon. Despite multiple signs hinting toward Butler moving to Phoenix, he eventually ended up going to the Bay Area. So, we cannot rule out Durant going to Minnesota just yet, because stranger things have happened in the NBA. A mere phone call has the ability to change everything. And a trade could go down sooner than you expect!

Shams Charania reveals potential deadline for Kevin Durant trade amid Timberwolves’ peaking interest

Although Wolves are reportedly unwilling to part ways with McDaniels, their interest in Durant has not reduced one bit. During the midseason trade deadline in February, they were in constant discussion with the Suns about a potential trade. Although a deal never went through and KD stayed in Phoenix, Alex Rodriguez’s team approached the Suns yet again after the news of the two-time champ’s availability this summer.

Moreover, according to Shams, Timberwolves were one of the teams in Suns’ focus amid the trade discussion. Even Jon reported, “I know there has been a ton of chatter about the Wolves and KD. I believe, like in February, there is interest. There have been some discussions about deals. But as far as I know, nothing is close. Things can always change quickly, but that’s where I’m at right now.”

Well, whichever destination Durant lands in, it will happen sooner than you expect. Initial reports suggested that a trade will be finalized before the June 25 draft night. However, Shams further updated the deadline on The Pat McAfee Show, “You said a week. I think it could be even sooner than that. I think there is some motivation with some teams, potentially even sooner than seven days. Maybe in the next few days, we can get some Kevin Durant trade action.” If Wolves want to acquire The Slim Reaper, they need to act quick and lure the Suns with an offer they cannot refuse. Do you think they will be able to pull it off?