Trade negotiations involving Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s top players, have come to a standstill between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets just days before the NBA Draft. The Rockets, widely regarded as strong contenders to acquire Durant, have not engaged in talks with the Suns for several days. Both teams are struggling to agree on the value exchange, resulting in an impasse in the ongoing trade discussions.
Houston’s Interest Complicated by Price Disagreements
Reports indicate that Houston has made a firm proposal to the Suns, but Phoenix considers the offers inadequate, believing they don’t reflect Durant’s true worth. Sam Amick, speaking on The Athletic NBA Daily podcast, mentioned that the last conversation between the sides did not go well.
“I was told yesterday (Thursday) that Houston hadn’t talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn’t go particularly well,”
Amick said.
“That could have changed by now, again that’s as of yesterday. They would love to have KD, but it’s on their price.”
—Sam Amick, NBA Reporter
The Suns are also holding out for key assets in return and remain unconvinced by the packages presented by other teams such as the Spurs, Heat, Timberwolves, and Raptors, all of whom have shown interest in Durant as well.
Concerns Over Durant’s Contract and Career Stage Shape Trade Talks
Durant, who will turn 37 in September, is wrapping up the final year of a $54.7 million contract. While a two-year extension with his new team is possible, Durant has reportedly expressed a willingness to sign long-term only with Houston, San Antonio, or Miami, narrowing his potential destinations. These contract details and his age are factors limiting the level of offers from rival teams.
Rafael Stone, Houston Rockets’ General Manager, remains eager to bring Durant on board but is cautious. According to reports, Stone will only commit to a deal that benefits the Rockets both immediately and in the future. He is not willing to mortgage the team’s long-term prospects to secure Durant, instead hoping that the Suns will eventually reduce their asking price for the veteran star.
Suns Insist on Key Players in Trade, Willing to Extend Negotiations
According to Suns insider John Gambadoro on the Burns and Gambo Show, Phoenix is unlikely to finalize a trade with Houston unless rookie Jabari Smith Jr. is included in the deal. Gambadoro also suggested the Suns are open to continuing discussions past the draft if no acceptable offer surfaces.
These developments underscore the complexity of the situation and how both teams are navigating the tension between immediate gains and long-term strategy as the trade deadline approaches.