The Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets became focal points of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA offseason discussions following the multi-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from the Suns to the Rockets. This unprecedented seven-team deal involved the Suns receiving a package centered on Jalen Green, a prominent scorer, marking a significant shift for both franchises.
The Suns also waived and stretched Bradley Beal‘s contract, a financial maneuver that freed up salary cap space but came at the cost of short-term competitiveness. Conversely, the Rockets added experienced depth, while the Suns’ roster became younger and less veteran-heavy, surrounding star Devin Booker with rookies including Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea.
Power Rankings Reflect Suns’ Decline and Rockets’ Rise After Trade
Following the offseason moves, the Phoenix Suns find themselves ranked 25th in David Aldridge’s offseason power rankings from The Athletic, placing them just ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans and behind the Los Angeles Lakers. Brian Gregory, in his first offseason as Suns general manager, faced challenges balancing financial flexibility with roster competitiveness.
“Gregory — a Sparty guy, naturally — didn’t do a bad job out of the gate as the new GM,”
Aldridge noted.
“The Suns aren’t ‘good’ in the sense that they’re now a contender, but they should at least be competitive most nights for [head coach Jordan] Ott. The return for Durant was fair, considering Phoenix had very little leverage, and stretching Beal gets the Suns out of apron hell.”
—David Aldridge, The Athletic
Aldridge praised the Suns’ strategic maneuvers, including acquiring rookies like Fleming, who was rated highly by many teams, and forming a young core featuring Green, Fleming, Mark Williams, and Maluach to build around Booker’s prime years.
“They were nimble in moving up to get Fleming, who had first-round grades from lots of teams. Green, Fleming, [Mark] Williams and Maluach are good beginnings for whatever comes next in the Valley to surround Booker through the rest of his prime, a welcome departure from the three superstars approach.”
—David Aldridge, The Athletic
Rockets Enter Title Contention While Suns Face Rekindled Challenges
Though Houston Rockets have not yet appeared in Aldridge’s ongoing power rankings series, projections suggest they will soon enter the top 10, driven by their strengthened roster. With Durant joining a mix of veterans and rising young talent, Houston has positioned itself as a contender in the competitive Western Conference.
For the Suns, last season’s 36-46 record reflected underlying difficulties, and despite locking in Booker with a two-year, $145 million extension, the team‘s short-term outlook appears uncertain. Success depends heavily on the development and integration of their youthful players within coach Jordan Ott’s system.
Future Prospects for Both Teams in a Changing NBA Landscape
The Kevin Durant Rockets Suns trade reshapes expectations for both franchises. Houston’s path suggests increased playoff potential and possible championship contention, while Phoenix is embarking on a rebuilding phase centered on financial flexibility and youth development. The contrasting directions highlight distinct organizational strategies in response to the evolving league environment.