As the Phoenix Suns increase efforts to trade Kevin Durant before the upcoming NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets have surfaced as one of Durant’s favored destinations. The 15-time NBA All-Star, whose future is under intense discussion, has identified the Rockets among a select group of teams where he desires to continue his career.
According to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania, Durant’s top preferred teams include the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs, where he is open to committing to a long-term contract extension. This information provides Durant with some negotiating power amid the ongoing trade talks with the Suns.
The Financial Details of Durant’s Contract and Extension Options
Kevin Durant currently has one year remaining on a four-year, $190 million contract, with $54.7 million left to be paid. Should he be traded, he has the opportunity to sign a two-year extension worth $112 million with his new team. Notably, if Durant waits six months after the trade to finalize an extension, the value could increase to $124 million over two years, as reported by Charania.
Challenges in Trade Discussions Due to Suns’ Demands
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly holding out for a high return in any trade involving Durant, which has slowed progress in negotiations. ESPN senior NBA writer Brian Windhorst explained on NBA Today that the Suns wish to receive compensation comparable to what they originally gave up for Durant, including impact players and multiple draft picks. However, Windhorst expressed skepticism about matching that value considering Durant’s advancing age and the short duration left on his contract.
“From what I am told, the Suns are looking for a comparable package for what they traded Kevin Durant, which is impact players and multiple draft assets,”
Brian Windhorst said.
“I’m not sure they are going to be able to generate that because Durant is a couple of years older and his contract is short.”
Efforts by Suns to Reacquire Draft Picks and Assets
At the February 2023 trade deadline, the Suns exchanged four first-round picks, a pick swap, and players Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges to acquire Durant. Three of those draft picks are now held by the Rockets, placing Houston in an advantageous position to negotiate for Durant if interested.
Reports from The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin indicate that the Suns aim to recoup these draft selections through the trade, seeking a package that ideally includes those picks plus a young player to facilitate getting under the NBA salary cap’s second apron.
“Sources informed The Republic that the most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal tied to getting under the second apron,”
Rankin reported.
The Suns view the Rockets as a preferable trade partner due to their control over these picks and have maintained communication since their seasons ended.
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Phoenix has actively pursued trading Durant while aiming to regain full control of their draft capital, including the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft.
“Phoenix is 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, team sources said. 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,”
Iko wrote.
Rockets’ Position on Potential Durant Acquisition
Though Durant prefers Houston among his top choices, the Suns have made it clear that they are willing to trade him to teams beyond his preferred list if it benefits the franchise. Charania noted on X that the Suns have communicated with six to eight serious suitors, prioritizing the best overall deal rather than just catering to Durant’s preferences.
“The Suns have made clear to six-to-eight seriously interested teams that they will make the best deal for the franchise – even outside of his preferred list of Miami, San Antonio and Houston,”
Charania wrote.
The Rockets finished the season as the No. 2 seed but were eliminated in a seven-game series by the Golden State Warriors in the first playoff round. A trade for Durant would expedite their competitive window, accelerating their chances of becoming championship contenders.
However, Houston remains optimistic about the growth of its young core, supplemented by veteran players Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Dillon Brooks, and may carefully weigh the long-term roster impact before pursuing Durant aggressively.
Implications of the Trade Talks and What Lies Ahead
The unfolding discussions surrounding Kevin Durant’s trade status highlight the delicate balance between securing immediate talent and preserving future assets for both the Suns and potential landing spots like the Rockets. Durant’s preferred destinations add a nuanced layer to the negotiations, but the final outcome will likely hinge on the Suns’ ability to obtain a return matching their high demands.
With the NBA Draft approaching and multiple teams involved, ongoing talks will be critical in shaping Durant’s next chapter. His decision, combined with the Suns’ strategic choices, could significantly alter the competitive landscape for the coming seasons.