The Suns and Rockets are engaged in trade talks involving Kevin Durant, with Phoenix eyeing Houston’s No. 10 draft pick. While the Suns have softened demands, Houston remains cautious about Durant’s fit and financial impact on its young core.
The Phoenix Suns are actively exploring a trade centered around Kevin Durant, engaging in discussions with the Houston Rockets as both teams weigh short- and long-term priorities ahead of the NBA Draft, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
MIN: 36.53
PTS: 26.56 (60.27%)
REB: 6.03
As: 4.24
ST: 0.81
BL: 1.24
TO: 3.06
GM: 62
At the core of the talks is Phoenix’s interest in reclaiming control of its draft future, beginning with the No. 10 overall pick, currently held by Houston. According to league sources, the Suns have softened their initial demands for Durant, signaling a more pragmatic approach in hopes of reaching a deal.
Despite Phoenix’s flexibility, league-wide skepticism persists over whether the two sides will ultimately strike an agreement.
Rockets see pros and cons in Durant deal
Durant, 35, offers star power, experience, and proven playoff pedigree that could elevate Houston’s promising young core. Still, internal debates continue over whether his timeline and financial implications align with the Rockets’ long-term vision.
While some in the organization see Durant as a short-term accelerant, others are wary of the cost in assets, salary cap space, and future flexibility required to land the veteran forward.
Any deal for Durant would likely involve renegotiating or extending his contract, though likely for a shorter term than Phoenix star Devin Booker, whose future also factors into Houston’s calculus.
Rockets’ interest in Booker cooling
The Rockets once saw Devin Booker as a more appealing trade target due to his age and scoring ability. However, his subpar 2024–25 season and the massive long-term contract he carries have dampened that enthusiasm.
With Booker projected to sign an even larger extension this summer, Houston’s front office has grown more hesitant to pursue him, despite his youth relative to Durant.
From a financial standpoint, Durant’s shorter-term deal may be marginally easier to absorb, but concerns remain about how he fits alongside players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson.
As the NBA Draft approaches, both franchises must weigh present urgency versus future flexibility — and whether a blockbuster trade can satisfy both.
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