Kevin Durant's time with the Phoenix Suns appears to be coming to an end as reports indicate he and his representatives have been working with the organization to find the former MVP a new home within the NBA.
While Durant reportedly has a list of three preferred destinations, the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat, the Suns have made it known throughout the league that they plan to make the best trade for their franchise moving forward. They will not reroute Durant wherever he so chooses.
This is not the first time the NBA has seen a Durant sweepstakes take place during the offseason. The difference this time around is that the rest of the league won't be willing to do whatever it takes to add the generational scorer to their roster, as was the case when he was younger.
Rockets Unwilling to Include Thompson, Sengun in Durant Trade Talks
Houston has reportedly already decided certain young players on their roster will be made untouchable in any negotiations with Phoenix.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun are non-starters in any potential trade talks with the Suns involving Durant. Rafael Stone and the brain trust in the Rockets' front office reportedly believe the two are core pieces of the future in Houston and are too valuable to include in talks for a 36-year-old version of Durant.
This past season, Thompson and Sengun were major contributors to the Rockets' success as Houston clinched the No. 2 seed by winning the Southwest Division crown. Sengun owned the paint by averaging 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. On the other hand, Thompson showed just how valuable his versatility can be by averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocked shots per game.
Houston is currently in a place where adding a player like Durant would be more of a luxury than anything. While you never want to turn away the opportunity to add a dynamic scorer like Durant, the Rockets don't need to tear down everything they've built to acquire him.