The Kevin Durant trade saga continues to evolve, but one team is approaching it with an icy calmness that could end up paying massive dividends: the Houston Rockets. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast, Houston is adopting a strategy that mirrors what the Toronto Raptors did with Kawhi Leonard in 2018: wait patiently while the rest of the league flinches.
"I’ll tell you one thing: If you’re Houston, who’s shown some interest but hasn’t been willing to put together an offer that seems to compel Phoenix, I’m not increasing my offer at all."
"This is what happened to Toronto: When they got Kawhi, they were just the last team standing. If I’m Houston or Miami, I’m like ‘Okay, I’ll sit here and wait with the offer I’m holding."
It’s a calculated gamble. Durant has three teams on his long-term wish list: the Rockets, the Spurs, and the Heat. Of the three, Houston and Miami are now considered the likeliest to land him.
San Antonio, once seen as the frontrunner, has reportedly fallen behind after their formal offer was rejected by the Suns. Despite heavy mutual interest, the Spurs' reluctance to part with key pieces caused the talks to stall.
For Houston, that’s music to the ears. With Phoenix holding very little leverage, Durant has made it clear he wants out, and he's 36 years old with a massive contract, the Rockets have the luxury of holding firm.
Unlike the Suns, who are desperate to recoup value, Houston can afford to wait. They’re not chasing Durant; they’re allowing Phoenix to come to them when options dwindle.
The Raptors executed a similar move in 2018 when they acquired Kawhi Leonard. After other teams pulled out of negotiations due to Leonard’s injury concerns and expiring contract, Toronto made a modest offer: DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a pick, and landed a superstar who would go on to deliver a championship.
Houston may be trying to recreate that lightning-in-a-bottle moment. With a deep young core led by Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., they have the assets to make a competitive offer without selling the farm.
If the Suns begin to panic as other suitors drop off, the Rockets could step in with a balanced deal, not overwhelming, but sufficient, and emerge as the last team standing.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly submitted a trade offer involving Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., and the No. 17 pick.
While intriguing on paper, that package is unlikely to move the needle, especially since Durant has no interest in playing alongside Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. The Suns might value the return, but if Durant refuses to commit, it becomes a dead end.
As for the Heat, their cap situation and lack of appealing draft picks limit their flexibility. Unless Miami is willing to part with Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro, which seems unlikely, they may not be able to outbid Houston either.
So now, the ball is in Phoenix’s court. Durant’s value isn’t what it used to be, and teams are no longer willing to mortgage their future for a 36-year-old with declining playoff returns. Houston’s patient, methodical approach could be exactly what lands them the superstar, just like it did for the Raptors six years ago.
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