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HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 30: Alperen Sengun #28 and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets react in front of Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
With the NBA Finals nearing its conclusion and the NBA Draft set to begin on June 25, trade rumors surrounding Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant have hit a new level.
Each day, if not each hour, bring a new slew of KD-centered trade proposals and there are sure to be plenty more until the former MVP is moved (or stays with the Suns).
One of the teams most frequently connected to Durant this spring has been the Houston Rockets. On Monday morning, HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto revealed who the team may be willing to give up in deal for the 15-time All-Star and who the Rockets almost certainly wouldn’t.
“Houston has Phoenix’s No. 10 overall pick in this draft class and control of the Suns’ top selection in 2027 and 2029. Gathering some of those draft assets back in return for Durant would greatly appeal to Phoenix, league sources told HoopsHype. The Rockets also have several young, talented players that could help the Suns compete with Devin Booker in his prime,” Scotto wrote. “The Rockets, however, have been unwilling to part with 22-year-old First Team All-Defensive selection Amen Thompson in trade talks, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Amen Thompson led Houston in field goal percentage (55.7%) and blocks per tilt (1.3) during the 2024-25 regular season, while tying for third in scoring at 14.1 points per game.
It’s ‘Believed’ Houston Also Wouldn’t Trade All-Star Big Man
Scotto then notes that the Rockets appear to be unlikely to send All-Star center Alperen Sengun to the desert in a Durant trade as well.
“It’s believed that Houston would also not want to part with 22-year-old All-Star Alperen Sengun in talks for Durant,” he wrote.
As Houston also remains a contender to land Milwaukee Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, it was reported in May that the Rockets were “open to trading” Sengun this summer.
The 22-year-old Sengun paced Houston in rebounds per game this season (10.3), while ranking second in points (19.1) and assists (4.9) per contest.
Who Could Rockets Offer in Potential Durant Trade?
While Sengun and Thompson may be off the table in Durant trade talks, there are other members of head coach Ime Udoka’s squad who could be available to the Suns, according to Scotto.
“In a potential trade with the Suns for Durant, Houston could include guard Jalen Green and his $33.33 million salary for the 2025-26 season. With guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already on the roster, having failed to trade Beal as the Suns attempted to before the trade deadline, Phoenix has done background on Green to gauge his value around the league in case Green is acquired, and it’s worthwhile to flip him again via trade, league sources told HoopsHype,” he wrote. “Houston also has two forwards, former No. 3 pick Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, who are notable trade candidates that are rookie-scale extension-eligible this offseason. If they don’t agree to a new deal, they’ll enter the final season of their contracts before being eligible for restricted free agency and pay raises in the summer of 2026.”
Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring (21.0 points per game) during the regular season, was the only player on the team to appear in all 82 contests and added 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per tilt with a .423/.354/.813 shooting line.
Scotto also mentioned guard Reed Sheppard and small forward Cam Whitmore as possible trade pieces for the Rockets.
“Speaking of former high draft picks, Former third overall selection Reed Sheppard was limited to only 12.6 minutes in 52 games during the regular season. With Houston looking to retain Fred VanVleet, Sheppard won’t have an immediate pathway for significant playing time,” he wrote. “Similarly to Sheppard, Rockets swingman Cam Whitmore is another talented young player whose playing time is limited due to the excessive depth on the roster and could be a trade candidate.”