Kevin Durant became the focus of intense trade negotiations involving several NBA teams during the offseason. Despite some analysts on NBA Twitter questioning his current skill level and career trajectory, Durant attracted significant interest. Among the notable parties involved, the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged as a potential destination, as their owner Dan Gilbert sought to shake up the roster after consecutive second-round playoff exits.
Durant initially expressed a preference for joining the San Antonio Spurs, but the Houston Rockets offered a more attractive trade package. The Rockets’ offer included several valuable assets that appealed to the Phoenix Suns, even though the Suns had previously accumulated four of their future first-round picks. In the final deal, the Suns parted with only their 2025 first-round pick along with sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and five additional draft selections.
Phoenix Suns’ Consideration of Darius Garland Trade to Offset Durant’s Departure
Following the trade departure of Kevin Durant, the Suns pursued another All-Star caliber player to strengthen their lineup. Darius Garland, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ dependable point guard, was a top target given his ability to orchestrate the offense similarly to how Chris Paul performed from 2020 to 2023. The Suns also own the Cavaliers’ 2029 first-round pick, originally acquired from the Utah Jazz, which they considered leveraging in trade discussions.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst provided insights into these talks, highlighting the Suns’ initiative:
“The Suns, from what I’m told, reached out and had interest in Garland. It was not the Cavs who wanted to trade Garland. The Cavs said the only way they would ever consider this would be if the Suns sent Kevin Durant plus other assets. And the Suns didn’t hang up the phone. I’ll just point out that the Suns own the Cavs 2029 first round pick because they got it from the Jazz last year. And getting back your own picks in the distant future is somewhat attractive.” —Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
Despite the Suns’ efforts to engage the Cavaliers regarding Garland, Cleveland stood firm on their demand that Kevin Durant be included alongside additional assets as part of any trade package. The Cavaliers were not actively looking to move Garland but remained open to talks if the price was right.
Rockets’ Defensive Strengths Complement Kevin Durant’s Offensive Role
With the Houston Rockets finalizing the trade for Kevin Durant, the team’s defensive capabilities around their new star are noteworthy. The Rockets feature All-Defensive Team member Amen Thompson and versatile guard Fred VanVleet, both capable defenders on the perimeter. Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason further bolster the team’s flexibility, able to disrupt opponents across multiple positions, including switching onto taller players.
Though Alperen Sengun is not known for his defensive skills, the Rockets have secured Steven Adams as a reliable defensive backup for the center position for the next two seasons. This defensive support structure allows Durant to focus primarily on being the offensive centerpiece without the pressure of carrying defensive assignments.
Kevin Durant’s Integration into the Rockets’ Offensive System
Durant’s new role with the Rockets will focus on his scoring and playmaking abilities rather than traditional point guard duties. Though VanVleet and Amen Thompson are not classic floor generals, Thompson excels in slashing to the basket, while VanVleet thrives as a spot-up shooter operating off the ball. Meanwhile, the team’s offense operates through Sengun and other playmakers who facilitate ball movement and sharing.
Durant has already received a warm welcome from the Rockets’ young and talented roster. Players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson have engaged in workouts with Durant, benefiting from his experience and willingness to mentor. Head coach Ime Udoka, who had previously faced Durant during the 2022 NBA playoffs, is now tasked with maximizing Durant’s impact while building a cohesive and promising team environment. This combination signals great potential for the Rockets moving forward.
Broader Implications of the Durant Trade and What Lies Ahead for the Suns and Rockets
The Phoenix Suns’ exploration of trading Durant for Garland demonstrated their intention to quickly replenish star power after losing a franchise cornerstone. However, the stringent demands from the Cavaliers ultimately led the Suns to accept the Rockets’ proposal, which provided a broader asset pool and future picks. This decision reshapes the competitive balance in the Western Conference, as the Rockets integrate a seasoned scorer with a promising supporting cast.
For the Suns, the trade represents a commitment to rebuilding around young talent and draft capital, while the Rockets hope Durant’s presence accelerates their rise from rebuild status to playoff contention. The NBA landscape will watch closely how Durant fits into Houston’s structure and whether the Suns can leverage their assets into another core player to sustain their competitiveness.