NBA Intel: Kevin Durant Trade Talks, Jimmy Butler, Warriors, Lakers, Suns, Timberwolves, Nets

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

The NBA trade deadline gave a glimpse into the upcoming potential trade market for Kevin Durant this summer, the Warriors new life following the Jimmy Butler acquisition, and more.

Thus, HoopsHype has gathered new intel on trade talks surrounding Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, what Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the team when he acquired Jimmy Butler, and interviews with Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith on his Brooklyn Nets tenure and free agency future, and Warriors frontcourt players Kevon Looney on his upcoming free agency and Quinten Post’s view of rookie life in the league behind the scenes.

Timberwolves held Jaden McDaniels out of Kevin Durant trade talks​

You must be registered for see images attach

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant drew significant trade interest from several teams ahead of the deadline, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

While Durant ultimately remained in Phoenix, he’s expected to come up again in trade discussions this offseason as he enters the final year of his contract worth $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season.

The Timberwolves aggressively pursued Durant in trade talks before the deadline and are expected to circle the wagon again this summer, but were unwilling to part with star guard Anthony Edwards and versatile forward Jaden McDaniels in discussions, league sources told HoopsHype.

Instead, Timberwolves forward Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo were discussed as part of trade talks for Durant, league sources told HoopsHype.

However, Minnesota has now won 11 straight games Randle has played, and he has a $30.94 million player option for the 2025-26 season. DiVincenzo, meanwhile, is shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range this season and is averaging a career-high 3.7 assists.

It’s also worth noting that reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid drew interest from the Suns as part of the Durant trade talks, league sources told HoopsHype. Reid is expected to decline his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season and enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Nonetheless, Minnesota hopes to re-sign Reid to a long-term contract, league sources told HoopsHype.

In the meantime, the playoffs will have massive implications for which direction the Suns, Timberwolves, and other teams will go this summer.

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr on acquiring Jimmy Butler: ‘This signals it’s time to win, no f****** around’​

You must be registered for see images attach

The Golden State Warriors have turned their season around following the acquisition of Jimmy Butler with a 13-1 record when he's played and rank third in team defensive rating (108.7) and offensive rating (121.5) since February 8, per NBA.com.

The move has rejuvenated franchise stalwarts Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, along with the rest of the roster, and included a memorable message from Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.

“I told them, ‘It’s time to win,’” Dunleavy Jr. explained to HoopsHype. “Whatever happened this season thus far where we’ve had some tough losses and our record isn’t what it needs to be. This signals it’s time to win, no f****** around. We’ll see where we can get to.”

For Dunleavy Jr., being a former teammate of Butler with the Chicago Bulls gave him a “level of comfort” in making the blockbuster trade and signing him to a two-year, $111 million extension.

“I think there’s a talent level that he brings that we needed at the top of the roster,” Dunleavy Jr. told HoopsHype. “There’s also a presence, a competitiveness, and an IQ. We need all those things on the court and in big moments. I think it raises the level of all of our players. Not only our role players but also Steph and Draymond to know they’ve got another guy with them that they can look around and feel like, “Alright, we’ve got a chance.”

According to Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the acquisition of Butler is comparable to a former Warriors swingman who went on to become a four-time champion and recently had his jersey retired by the organization.

“Things have clearly turned with him (Butler),” Kerr said. “He’s a great compliment to what we already do with his ability to pass, but what he’s adding is that maturity and poise. We’ve made the Andre (Iguodala) comparison. He’s not the exact same player, but he has the same influence reading what’s happening, settling us down, and creating good possessions at both ends.”

Since joining the Warriors, Butler has averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.

“Credit to Mike (Dunleavy Jr.) for making that move and Joe (Lacob) and Peter (Guber) for co-signing to make that big of a commitment to someone like that,” Green added. “It’s definitely changed who we are as a team for sure.”

Dorian Finney-Smith: ‘You see what just happened with Luka? You’ve got to make sure you take care of yourself first’​

You must be registered for see images

The Los Angeles Lakers dramatically turned their season around since the calendar flipped to 2025, including a 22-11 record since acquiring versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade.

“He's brought a level of toughness,” Lakers coach JJ Redick explained. “Certainly communication and the spirit to want to defend. I think guys have responded well to who he is as a player, a teammate, a person. He's just fit right in. Our season kind of turned around, and the energy and spirit of our group turned around when we got him. He's been huge for us.”

In his return to Brooklyn for the first time since being traded, Finney-Smith sat down with HoopsHype in the visiting locker room at Barclays Center to discuss his tenure with the Nets, why he believes coach Jordi Fernandez will turn the franchise around soon, who could be part of Brooklyn’s core going forward, playing for coach Redick, his free agency future, and reaction to the Luka Doncic trade.

What are your thoughts on your Nets tenure?

Dorian Finney-Smith: It was good. I got a chance to play in New York. You know what New York is to the basketball world. It was amazing. I was close to my family. I’m from Virginia, so they were always here. It was a great time, even though it was a little short. I think Jordi (Fernandez) is a great coach. He’s leading this group and headed towards the right situation.

What about Jordi Fernandez makes you think he can help eventually turn the Nets around?

Finney-Smith: He’s a stand-up man. Since I met him, he’s been a man of his word about what he expects from his guys. He brings it every day, too, himself. It’s easy to buy in when you’ve got somebody like that. I’ve been saying it for a while. I believe Jordi is going to be a coach for a long time.

Which Nets are you watching who could potentially be a part of the core looking ahead?

Finney-Smith: I still talk to pretty much everybody on that team. CT (Cam Thomas), of course, with his talent. Hopefully, he gets paid. I want him to get paid this summer. It’s well deserved. I want Day’Ron (Sharpe) to make his money as well. Trendon Watford is a guy I want to find his footing in the league and get a longer contract of two or three years. Noah (Clowney) is making more noise and getting more confidence, shooting the ball, and playing well. Jalen (Wilson) continues to bring his energy off the bench. Keon Johnson is a menace on defense. Cam Johnson. We know what he can do.

How’s the adjustment been for you coming to the Lakers?

Finney-Smith: I’ve come here and been who I am. I’m a big communicator and energy guy. I can shoot the ball when I’m open, and I play defense.

What’s it been like playing for JJ Redick?

Finney-Smith: It’s been good. He was my teammate in Dallas for a bit. You could tell he had a great basketball mind. He was a little off. What I mean by a little off is he was super locked in. I feel like all the greats are a little bit off. They care a whole lot and are super passionate about it. He’s one of those guys. It’s been fun competing and playing alongside these amazing players.

How do you feel about your player option and your free agency future?

Finney-Smith: You see what just happened with Luka (Doncic)? So, you’ve got to make sure you take care of yourself first. We need to finish the season strong. If we win, everybody eats (smiles).

Since you mentioned Luka Doncic, what went through your mind when he was traded?

Finney-Smith: Sh*t. I thought it was fake. I tried to call his a** to see if it was real. I talked to Maxi (Kleber), and he said it was real, so it was real.

Kevon Looney: ‘Free agency is always crazy, so whatever happens, happens’​

You must be registered for see images attach

Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney is determined to win his fourth championship in 10 seasons with the franchise while remaining a valued rotation player after hearing his name surface in trade rumors before the deadline and ahead of unrestricted free agency this summer.

Looney spoke with HoopsHype about how Jimmy Butler changed the dynamic of the franchise, how Butler and Draymond Green co-exist in the locker room behind the scenes as vocal leaders, the message Butler’s acquisition sent to the team, dealing with trade rumors, what it means to remain a Warrior and his upcoming free agency.

What impact has Jimmy Butler brought on and off the court?

Kevon Looney: He’s brought a different level of poise to our team. He can control the game and elevate others as well. He’s added a second playmaker and another voice. He’s an All-Defensive player, too. His communication on that side of the ball and the offensive side gives us a lot of confidence and poise. Sometimes, before he got here, we got out of control for spells. We’d play 36 minutes good, and for 12 minutes, we’d get wild. He slows us down, gets us under control, and we get in our spots.

What’s it like with Butler and Draymond Green in the same locker room and on the court together?

Looney: It's been great. They’re two of the smartest guys in the league on both sides of the ball. The conversations we have on the court and in the huddles are really high-level. We’re able to problem-solve really quickly when things aren’t going our way and make adjustments because we’ve got two of the smartest guys in the league. They’re able to get in the ears of our young guys and can change the flow of a game by stopping those runs if a team starts getting momentum.

What did the trade for Butler say to you and the guys in the locker room?

Looney: It gives you a new spark. When you’ve been together with the same group for so long, things can get a little bit monotonous and like, “We’ll figure it out at some point.” When you get a big change like that, it’s like, “Oh, sh*t. We’ve got to figure it out now.” He’s coming in hungry and brings a different energy that we didn’t have in a while. It gives us new life and new motivation. We know the time is now. It’s not time to figure it out in the offseason. We’re trying to win now. I think that message was sent.

How was it for you going into the trade deadline while on an expiring contract?

Looney: It’s not my first go-around of seeing names and faces all over trade rumors. It’s always nerve-wracking, but I know what I can do. I know I can play. When you see your name out there, it’s not the best, but I’ve been here a long time. I know what it takes to win. I’m happy I’m still here, and hopefully, I can help the team and contribute.

What does it mean for you to remain with the team you’ve been with your whole career?

Looney: It means a lot. Not a lot of guys get to play this long with one team. For me, being here 10 years and having a chance to continue to compete and win with our goal being to get to the championship, being a part of a team like that is always fun. I know what it takes and how to keep our culture going and keep everything moving the way we’re supposed to. I’m happy to be here. Whatever happens, happens.

What will you be looking for in free agency?

Looney: I don’t know. I’m focused on this season right now. You never know what’s going to happen in a short period of time. I’m hoping I can stay healthy, have a great end of the season and playoffs, and then see whatever happens. You always try to be where you’re at, but things change. Free agency is always crazy, so whatever happens, happens.

Quinten Post: ‘There’s no ego in this league’​

You must be registered for see images attach

After beginning his NBA career as the No. 52 pick in the draft and on a two-way contract, Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post developed into a key rotation player and starter at times, a knockdown 3-point shooter (.417), and a good rebounder.

Post sat down with HoopsHype to discuss his journey from playing in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors to earning a standard NBA contract and key rotation minutes with Golden State, what he’s learned from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the team’s expectations moving forward, and more.

How did you earn a standard NBA deal after joining a veteran team on a two-way contract?

Quinten Post: Transitioning from college to the NBA, it’s a different game. It’s faster, and the guys are more athletic. It took a little bit, and then basketball is all a game about confidence. When you first get into a locker room like ours, and you see Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and all these guys, it takes a while to find your role within those guys. I have to give big credit to our G League squad, my teammates, and my coaches for giving me the reps. At some point, I got a chance, and then it was on me to capitalize.

How was it mentally adjusting from getting the ball a lot in college to becoming a role player as a rookie?

Post: There’s no ego in this league. I’ve said from the start. My biggest goal is to play winning basketball. I don’t care how that translates. At Boston College, I had to be a ball-dominant guy. Here, we have such good players that I can use my skill set to be a supporting piece. I try to bring energy, I try to knock down shots, and I try to play good defense.

What went through your mind when you earned a standard NBA deal?

Post: It proved that it was worth it. I give myself credit from the moment I found out I was going to Santa Cruz. I put my head down and completely focused on that. I wasn’t even thinking about the Warriors. I was focused on winning our games in the G League and playing better basketball with my teammates there. I was locked in. I was going to win the G League. That was our plan. We were on a streak there. Then, all of a sudden, I got a call-up, and then I was here. The fact that I got converted, I felt was because I did the right things, and I got rewarded for it.

How do you feel you’ve been able to impact the Warriors?

Post: My energy, size, making point five decisions, which Steve (Kerr) is very big on. If you make the right play every time, that’s all you can do. On defense, I’m learning. I’m trying to play with a lot of effort and energy.

Is there anything that sticks out from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, or Draymond Green that’s something you learned and sticks out?

Post: I’ve never heard so much communication on any team I’ve been a part of. Draymond talks. Steph talks. Steph may be more of a quiet leader, but when Steph uses his voice, it’s heard. I’m being talked to all these plays we’re going through on the offensive and defensive end. They’re Hall of Fame players. It’s an honor to play with them, and I’m grateful I can help them.

When the team acquired Jimmy Butler, what did that say to you and the guys in the locker room about the expectations?

Post: We’re trying to win now. I think it was pretty clear. We made a huge move, and we traded a lot of our pieces and depth. Jimmy has been so great for us. From the front office, what it told us is that we’re trying to win a championship. Steph and Draymond got a second wind after the trade happened. As a rookie, you follow in line and try to bring whatever you can.

Has Jimmy Butler given you any guidance since arriving?

Post: He talks and is very clear about how he wants to play the game. He’s a positive influence in our locker room. He plays super hard on defense. He’s an easy guy to follow in his footsteps. He’s been in the league for so long and made multiple deep runs in the playoffs, so it’s easy to follow a guy like that who plays as hard as he does.

What’s the ceiling for this team if you guys stay healthy and are clicking?

Post: Championship.

You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: NBA Intel: Kevin Durant Trade Talks, Jimmy Butler, Warriors, Lakers, Suns, Timberwolves, Nets

Continue reading...