The Houston Rockets have been viewed as the top trade suitor for Kevin Durant for the majority of the time leading up to his looming sweepstakes in the summer. Those trade rumors just got an update.
The Phoenix Suns' efforts to retool this summer, after a disappointing 36-46 season, will hinge largely on what they can manage to grab in this potential Durant trade. The Suns superstar is their biggest trade chip by a long shot.
Durant still performing at a high level, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with a healthy true shooting percentage of 64.2. That should make him an attractive addition for the Rockets.
Granted, the lack of impact on team success would be concerning to some. However, considering the Rockets already enjoyed a strong season without him, that specific concern should not weigh too heavily.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported, "Phoenix is aggressive in pursuit of a) trading Kevin Durant and b) regaining full control of their draft capital starting with the No. 10 pick in next month’s draft, team sources said."
The NBA reporter added: "Since the conclusion of the season, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant, those sources said."
Iko added his closing thoughts on the realistic possibility that a deal gets done between the two sides. It was a mixed bag.
"There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing," Iko concluded.
When the Rockets made the trade with the Brooklyn Nets to acquire a chunk of Phoenix's future draft capital, one always imagined Houston was gearing up for a deal with the Suns. At this point of the process, it appears to be now or never for this trade.