The NBA offseason is expected to bring about momentous changes to the league's landscape. There are several high-profile superstars projected to switch teams. The Houston Rockets, armed with more draft capital and young players than any other team in the league, are a natural landing spot for these stars on the trade block.
One of those stars is Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. After the implosion of the Suns, the organization is going in a different direction this summer. Since the Rockets are a contender, Durant could presumably be interested in finishing out his career there. Plus, Houston has Phoenix's 2027 first-round pick and swap rights to their 2029 first-round pick. Therefore, if the Suns were to trade Durant, the idea of getting their picks back from the Rockets is obviously very appealing for them.
That is why they have reportedly been trying to pull off a trade with the Rockets since the conclusion of the season. The Athletic's Kelly Iko reported that the Suns are "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", and that they have been calling Houston to get a deal done.
"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."Kelly Iko, The Athletic
Iko then added that there is a price the Rockets would be interested in KD, but shares his doubts that a deal will materialize.
One of the biggest assets the Rockets have in the coffers is the Suns' picks they have. Phoenix is in a dire situation going forward, adding a ton of upside to the first-rounders they owe to Houston. Giving that upside up for a 36-year-old Durant carries significant risks. If it were for Devin Booker, a younger superstar who could be a core piece for the Rockets for many years, this type of deal would be more understandable.
The Rockets are a young team with a bright future; shortening their title window in a Durant deal would be a polarizing decision. Whether there is a price tag that the two sides can agree on remains to be seen.