Kevin Durant is expected to be traded from the Phoenix Suns in the near future as the franchise looks to move on from last season’s disappointing results. Despite expectations that the trade might center around the NBA Draft, the front office is firmly committed to executing a deal soon, following an unanticipated near-trade at the deadline. The Suns ended the season with a 36-46 record, finishing 11th in the Western Conference, a performance considered unacceptable given Durant’s presence alongside the team’s star Devin Booker.
With little trade potential around Bradley Beal, who remains largely untradeable, and Devin Booker as the team’s cornerstone, trading Durant is seen as the most viable path forward for Phoenix.
Durant’s Preferred Destinations and Current Trade Offers
Durant reportedly favors landing with the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, or San Antonio Spurs, although the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors are also considered potential suitors. Multiple reports have surfaced about the possible trade packages offered to Phoenix, with one of the more detailed proposals coming from the Houston Rockets.
ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel revealed that Houston’s initial offer included Jalen Green and the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft but Phoenix insists that this is not sufficient.
“Jalen Green and the 10th pick in this year’s draft present a clear opportunity for the Rockets to swing a deal, but the Suns have demanded more,”
—Brett Siegel
“Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard are among the young talents in Houston that Phoenix has expressed interest in. The Rockets have not been willing to part with any of the three to this point.”
—Brett Siegel
Why Phoenix Is Holding Out for Additional Assets
In these negotiations, the Rockets would likely add salary fillers to balance the trade, but Phoenix is committed to acquiring either additional draft picks or promising young players beyond just Green and the 10th pick. The Suns aim to maximize the return for Durant, a Hall of Fame level talent, making their demands justifiable.
The Rockets, currently seeded No. 2, see Durant as a catalyst to elevate their contention status. This could potentially motivate Houston to meet Phoenix’s higher trade requirements, understanding the value Durant adds to improving their squad.
Assessing the Value of the Proposed Trade Components
Jalen Green is seen as a player with star-level potential, and the 10th pick in the draft could bring in significant young talent to Phoenix’s roster. However, these pieces alone do not match the value of a player of Durant’s caliber. That discrepancy explains why the Suns’ front office is pushing for more from Houston’s offering, seeking a bigger haul to justify trading their franchise star.