Kevin Durant trade speculation swirling around Rockets

Just one year after the Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a historic seven-team trade, the future Hall of Famer has once again become the subject of trade speculation.

According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Rockets do not view Durant as an untouchable player despite acquiring him to accelerate their championship timeline.

“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don’t view him as an ‘untouchable’ talent in trade talks on their roster,” Siegel wrote. “Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment.”

Siegel added that several executives around the league believe Houston could consider moving Durant before the expiration of his contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season.

“Many around the league are skeptical of the Rockets wanting to keep Durant through the end of his current contract running through the 2027-28 season,” Siegel wrote. “It isn’t a secret to anyone that there were tensions between Durant and the Rockets’ locker room last season after reports of an alleged burner account came to light and frustrations were mounting internally about the team not taking a step forward with the former league MVP at the helm.”

Pistons expected to pursue Kevin Durant again if Rockets reopen trade talks

According to the report, the Detroit Pistons are expected to be among the first teams to pursue Durant if Houston makes him available.

“If Durant becomes available in any capacity or the Rockets look at possible trades involving him either now or in the near future, the Pistons are fully expected to be at the front of the line to bid on his services,” Siegel wrote.

Siegel also revealed that Detroit previously explored avenues to acquire Durant before he landed in Houston.

“Two league sources with knowledge of the situation told ClutchPoints that the Pistons were set on figuring out a path to land Durant, but nothing ever materialized in this three-team idea, nor did anything appear possible in brief discussions with only Houston,” Siegel wrote. “Perhaps the greatest detail to emerge from all of these rumors is that Durant has interest in playing alongside Pistons star Cade Cunningham, sources said.”

“Durant has always had high praise from the young superstar guard early in his career and has been on the record multiple times calling him a ‘special talent.’”

Early playoff exit fuels fresh questions about Durant’s long-term future in Houston