Durant joins the Timberwolves, his position in the team will not be low, and his pursuit will be strong.

On June 17, the news that Durant left the Suns had been rumored in the NBA circle. The whereabouts of the four-time scoring champion and the two-time champion became one of the most attention-grabbing spots in the free market this summer. Although the Suns have tried to build a championship lineup around Durant, Booker and Bill, the defeat last season and various internal problems seem to have gradually weakened Durant's interest in staying in the team. The Timberwolves became the most likely next player, not only because they showed great sincerity in pursuing Durant, but also because this young team can provide Durant with everything he needs - core status, championship potential and tactical adaptability.

###The Timberwolves' urgent need and Durant's perfect fit

The Timberwolves' performance last season was eye-catching. Edwards' rise, Gobert's defense and Towns' internal and external balance ability made the team successfully reach the Western Conference Finals. However, facing the Mavericks and the ultimate champion Celtics, the Timberwolves' scoring ability at critical moments exposed obvious shortcomings. Although Edwards is talented, he is still very experienced; Towns prefers space-type insiders rather than hard-solving scorers. Durant's arrival will directly fill this gap - his indiscriminate singles ability, cold-blooded performance at critical moments, and rich playoff experience are the last puzzle for the Timberwolves to strive for the championship.

From a tactical perspective, the Timberwolves' system is almost tailor-made for Durant. Head coach Finch is good at creating multiple ball-holding points offenses, while Durant can both serve as an end point without the ball (take Edwards or Conley's pass to complete the shot), and can also serve as a tactical starting point in positional battles. Gobert's existence can maximize Durant's physical exhaust on the defensive end, allowing him to focus on his offensive dominance. In addition, the Timberwolves' lineup depth (such as McDaniels, Reed and other role players) can also share the pressure for Durant and avoid physical crises caused by over-reliance on stars during the Suns.

### Timberwolves' pursuit and Durant's status guarantee

According to internal news from the league, the Timberwolves management has listed Durant as the number one target for signings this summer, and is even willing to pay the price including multiple first-round draft picks and young players (such as Moore or Minnot). This desperate attitude contrasts sharply with the caution of other potential next players, such as the Heat or the Knicks. More importantly, the Timberwolves can promise Durant's "absolute core" status. Although Edwards is the team's future, the management has made it clear that it is willing to use Durant as the tactical first choice, which is very different from the Suns' late-stage battle between Durant and Booker.

Durant's emphasis on the team's voice is no longer a secret. His experience with the Nets and the Suns made him realize that competing for the championship not only requires strength, but also the absolute support from the locker room. The Timberwolves locker room atmosphere is mainly young players and lacks strong veteran leaders. Durant's joining can not only fill this vacancy without triggering a conflict of power. Towns has a gentle personality, and Edwards publicly expressed his admiration for Durant. This environment is far more conducive to Durant's control of the situation than joining a team with a mature system (such as the Celtics).

###Analysis of other potential next players

Of course, Durant's choice is not the only Timberwolves. Rumors of the Heat, the Knicks and even returning to the Thunder also exist, but the adaptability of these teams is flawed:

- **Heat**: Riley's iron-blooded culture may have friction with Durant's sensitive personality, and Butler and Adebayo have occupied a large amount of ball rights.

- **Knicks**: Brunson and Randall need to hold the ball a lot, and media pressure in New York may also allow Durant to recreate the unpleasantness of the Nets era.

- **Thunder**: Although the feelings are full, the Thunder's young core (such as Homegren and Williams) need room for growth, and Durant's addition may disrupt the pace of reconstruction.

In contrast, the Timberwolves' "Immediate Combat Power + Future" win-win model is more attractive. They can not only provide the current championship lineup, but also ensure long-term competitiveness because of Edwards' existence, which is highly consistent with Durant's goal of "winning another championship and retiring smoothly."

###Conclusion: Win-win choice

For Durant, joining the Timberwolves may be the wisest decision at the end of his career. Here, he no longer has to struggle with team status or tactical sacrifices, but can focus on what he is best at - destroying his opponent with scores. As for the Timberwolves, Durant's arrival will directly upgrade him from a "Western upstart" to a "champion favorite". If this potential deal can be achieved, it may become a key step in changing the alliance landscape this summer.