Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is going to be traded from the franchise soon.
Whether it be by the NBA Draft -- the initial expectation -- or not, a trade is on the horizon. The front office nearly dealt him at the trade deadline, without warning, and now a move is inevitable.
The Suns finished this past season with a 36-46 record and No. 11 standing in the Western Conference. With Durant paired with franchise star Devin Booker -- that result on a season is unacceptable.
Moving Durant is the most feasible path forward, as Bradley Beal is nearly untradeable and Booker, as mentioned, is the franchise talent.
Durant has made it clear his preferred landing spots are the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, though the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors remain in the mix.
Many reports are surfacing what potential trade offers from the Suns' suitors have looked like, with the Rockets' recent package being revealed by ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
“Jalen Green and the 10th pick in this year's draft present a clear opportunity for the Rockets to swing a deal, but the Suns have demanded more," Siegel reported. "Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard are among the young talents in Houston that Phoenix has expressed interest in. The Rockets have not been willing to part with any of the three to this point."
In the hypothetical package, the Rockets would have added salary filler to make the trade work, though the Suns are eager to land their own draft picks and/or young talent.
Phoenix is going to continue to yearn for a larger return in a deal for return, maximizing a potential trade for his services.
The No. 2-seeded Rockets could turn a corner as a contender with Durant on the squad, so they might feel more inclined to meet the Suns' price point.
Jalen Green's star potential is clear. The No. 10 pick could pan out as a strong young talent.
However, the Suns want more for trading a Hall of Fame talent, which is more than understandable.