Can the Houston Rockets Win the Kevin Durant Bidding War?

The Timberwolves have already made it clear their rising star forward Jaden McDaniels is off the trade table, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, which could take Minnesota out of the hunt, as the Suns will certainly want a wing to replace Durant immediately.

"The Timberwolves are making Jaden McDaniels untouchable in Kevin Durant trade talks," said Krawczynski.

As it was reported by Shams Charania today, Durant has narrowed his three preferred destinations to the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, all three teams Durant would like to commit long term to.

"The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant's preferred trade destinations out of Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term," said Shams.

Miami would certainly need to include a third team if they want to get a deal done for Durant, but several proposals have been made, like NBA writer Jake Weinbach, which included Durant's former team, the Brooklyn Nets, helping to facilitate this deal.

As we get closer to the NBA Draft in the next two weeks, talks and proposals for Durant are expected to heat up. The Rockets will continue to build a package suitable enough for both sides, that will not impact their young core. We will continue to monitor this situation.