It's that time of the year in the NBA. Even though the NBA Finals are in full swing, the fan bases of 28 teams are focused on the offseason. This offseason is expected to be a doozy, and the Houston Rockets are projected to be one of the most active teams of the summer.
As is often the case during the NBA offseason, ESPN insider Shams Charania is the man of the hour. And this time, he has news that should be particularly interesting for Rockets fans.
Rockets Among Finalists in Kevin Durant Sweepstakes per Latest Report
On Friday, Charania reported that a Kevin Durant trade is imminent in the next few days. During his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," the NBA insider said that there are teams having active conversations with the Phoenix Suns to acquire two-time NBA Finals MVP: the Rockets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
"The focus of the Suns' conversation has been on a few of the teams and here they are: the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves."@ShamsCharania discusses the three teams in talks with acquiring Kevin Durant 👀 (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/X24C4o1Hvh
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 13, 2025
Multiple teams being interested in Durant's services is no surprise. The soon-to-be 37-year-old may not be the historically great offensive engine he once was, but he is still a huge difference-maker. His stint in Phoenix didn't go according to plan, but Durant's presence can elevate any playoff team he goes to.
A potential Durant deal for Houston would be a fascinating one.
The Rockets own Phoenix's 2027 first-round pick and swap rights to their 2029 first-round pick. Being able to return these picks to the Suns gives Houston a huge advantage in trade negotiations. Houston also has more draft assets and young players with upside than they know what to do with. No one can give the Suns a more enticing offer than the Rockets.
How enticing of an offer Houston should make for an aging KD, however, is a different question. Plus, Durant has only one year left in his contract and requires an extension. A multi-year max-level extension for Durant before his age-37 season has a chance to be a toxic contract for any potential suitors.
Durant would be an excellent win-now addition for a Rockets team that just finished second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record. At the same time, Houston doesn't necessarily need to win now.
The Rockets are young, deep, and stocked with assets. GM Rafael Stone and the ownership need to keep that in mind during these negotiations, both with the Suns and Durant.