The Houston Rockets are arguably the most improved team after a stellar offseason.
The Rockets made the best move of the offseason, acquiring one of the best players in the world, Kevin Durant.
Durant will head to Houston after spending the last two-plus seasons in Phoenix. He failed to lead the Suns to a deep playoff run, but the expectations are now sky-high as he joins the young, athletic and dynamic Rockets team.
Houston will look to take the next step with Durant on their side and build off their phenomenal regular season last year.
The Rockets will enter this season as the elite of the elite, but while that's the case, there is a move out there that could take them to another level. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed this massive trade idea that sees Durant's former All-Star teammate Devin Booker join him in Houston.
"Trade idea: Houston Rockets acquire Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns for Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick."
"Devin Booker can't be traded until January, and it'd be admittedly weird if the Suns and Rockets transacted again so soon after the Durant deal. But there's just no other logical destination for this pair of future first-rounders. That also helps overcome the reality that Booker has never shown a willingness to leave the Suns.
"The Suns need these picks back. Otherwise, the non-playoff seasons ahead won't feature the typical payoff: high lottery position. The key to ensuring Phoenix's fallow period lasts only a couple of seasons is regaining control of those 2027 and 2029 selections. Otherwise, the dark days could stretch well into the 2030s."
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Booker landing with the Rockets seems unlikely right now, but that could all change in the coming months. It is clear that the Suns are moving in another direction, and with Booker still wanting to compete for a title, Phoenix may not be the place for him.
If the two sides do not see eye to eye, Booker could be put on the trading block. In the meantime, a trade involving Booker is unlikely. The 28-year-old star recently signed a massive two-year, $145 million deal with the team that keeps him on Phoenix through the 2029-30 season.
The contract extension solidified Booker as a cornerstone of the team.
While that is the case, it is clear that the Rockets are heading in one direction and the Suns are heading in another.
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