The Kevin Durant sweepstakes are intensifying rapidly as multiple NBA teams jockey for position, including the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. The focus on Jalen Green trade value in Kevin Durant sweepstakes has grown, with the Suns reportedly considering redirecting Green should he be included in a potential deal for Durant.
Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, the Houston Rockets have remained one of the most consistent teams linked to the Suns in discussions about acquiring Kevin Durant. Houston has several future draft picks and a young core that could fit Phoenix’s plans, which might involve retooling around their current stars. Among Houston’s young players, Jalen Green is a significant figure whose prospects are now in question amid the trade rumors.
Green, a 2021 top-five draft pick, has shown flashes of talent but has yet to reach star status consistently. In the recent first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Green struggled by his standards, averaging only 13.3 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range. These subpar performances have raised questions about his immediate impact at the next level.
Sources indicate that if the Suns acquire Durant through a trade involving Houston, they are unlikely to keep Green on their roster. Michael Scotto reported that Phoenix is likely to reroute Green rather than integrate him with their existing backcourt.
“In a potential trade with the Suns for Durant, Houston could include guard Jalen Green and his $33.33 million salary for the 2025-26 season,”
Scotto wrote.
“With guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already on the roster, … Phoenix has done background on Green to gauge his value around the league in case Green is acquired, and it’s worthwhile to flip him again via trade, league sources told HoopsHype.”
—Michael Scotto, NBA Insider
Given that the Suns plan to retain Devin Booker as a key offensive leader, pairing him with Green appears unlikely to fit their strategy. Phoenix’s hesitation is understandable considering an already crowded backcourt featuring Booker and Beal, making a Green acquisition less attractive as a long-term option.
Potential New Addition to Strengthen Suns’ Guard Rotation
As the Suns navigate the complexities of the Durant trade talks, there is speculation that Phoenix might target a promising guard from the recently crowned Florida champions to bolster their backcourt depth. This move would align with their intention to maintain a strong guard presence around Booker and Beal while managing salary cap space and roster balance.
Alternative Trade Scenarios Involving Durant and Multiple Teams
Amid ongoing discussions, mock trade proposals have surfaced that explore sending Kevin Durant to the New York Knicks through a complicated four-team deal. These hypothetical scenarios reflect the unpredictable nature of the current trade market and emphasize how the Suns’ front office remains open to various options as they seek to maximize their roster’s potential while capturing young assets and veteran talent.
The evolving dynamics of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, particularly concerning Jalen Green trade value in Kevin Durant sweepstakes, highlight the delicate balancing act the Suns face. How Phoenix manages its backcourt configuration and potential incoming assets will prove critical as the trade deadline approaches, potentially reshaping the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.