Multiple teams have already been linked to Durant, such as the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and others. But there is now a dark horse candidate to land Durant this offseason. According to Suns insider John Gambadoro, the Los Angeles Clippers are being viewed as a potential sleeper team in the Durant sweepstakes.

The Los Angeles Clippers are rumored to be looking to add a big name to give themselves a chance at contending next season.

The route for NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, to winning is more complex with the second apron rules. As a result, they are required to be more strategic than ever before in their approach towards building a championship contender.

In 2027, the Thunder can swap first-rounders with the Clippers again. Or, they can choose to do so with the Denver Nuggets (top-five protected). The Philadelphia 76ers have Los Angeles' 2028 unprotected first due to the Harden trade in 2023. Philly can also swap first-rounders in 2029 (top-3 protected).