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Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the NBA. The Phoenix Suns remain hopeful that Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can lead the team to a championship. Trade rumors have swirled around the stars, however. Most recently, Durant has reportedly been connected to the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets are rumored to have interest in adding Durant. Houston displayed signs of becoming a contending team with their young core of players in 2023-24. Trading for a superstar like Durant would turn them into a serious contender.
On Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in a deal that led to a number of picks being swapped between teams. Houston returned a Nets 2026 first round pick for a Suns 2027 first round pick. They also acquired a right to swap with a Suns 2025 first round pick. So how does this impact a potential Rockets' pursuit of Durant?
“That's what they're setting up for (to acquire Durant),” NBA insider Brian Windhorst said on ESPN radio. “Giving up the access to the Nets draft was done with the purpose of making a deal now… They made this trade specifically to attempt to make a deal with the Suns. They did it to make a deal with the Suns now.”
Kevin Durant's interest in potential trade
The Suns have potential to compete for a championship with their stars leading the team. Phoenix also had depth concerns this past season, though. Durant has displayed a willingness to move on from teams in the past, which is something to consider in this situation.
At the moment, Windhorst has not heard any news about Durant seeking a trade, however.
“To my knowledge, Kevin Durant has not asked for a trade,” Windhorst continued. “However, there are definite connections between Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.”
Durant enjoyed another impressive season in 2023-24. The Suns star averaged 27.1 points per game on 52.3 percent field goal and 41.3 percent three-point shooting across 75 games played. He added 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per outing. Durant's play led to a ninth place finish in MVP voting.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are one of the best duos in the league. Beal endured some ups and downs in his first season with the Suns, but he still features the ceiling of a superstar. The Suns will have an opportunity to play at a high level if all three stars return.
That is certainly not guaranteed at the moment, though. Durant has been linked to a number of teams in trade rumors. Booker has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
Phoenix will consider all of their options before making a move. If they receive an offer that is too enticing to pass on, perhaps they will consider trading one or both of the stars. Again, though, the Suns could look to run it back with championship aspirations. They do not need to enter a rebuild right now.
Rockets outlook
The Rockets are in an especially interesting position. They have been rebuilding over the years. Houston's core of future stars makes them a landing destination for multiple stars in free agency or via trades.
It seems likely that the Rockets will add at least one more star this offseason. The question is if that star will be Kevin Durant, something that will become more clear over the next few weeks.
