Dec 27, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) rebounds against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images Erik Williams-Imagn Images

New Reports on Rockets' Involvement in Kevin Durant Trade

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 12:09 PM ET

Every day, new reports are being released on the Phoenix Suns' trade negotiations surrounding Kevin Durant. The former MVP is expected to have a new team by the NBA Draft, as the Suns are aggressively sifting through offers to find the right return package.

The Houston Rockets have been a prominent name in the Durant sweepstakes, and are still currently working on a trade in competition with other organizations such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat.

While the Rockets have been working on a trade, it doesn't seem like their offers have been sufficient for the Suns. Phoenix has been disappointed by the packages Houston has proposed, but according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, it doesn't seem like the organization is worried.

Windhorst reported that the Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, another team with interest in Durant, know they don't have to give up so much for the 36-year-old because of how much he prefers them. This is because he has one year left on his contract, so an extension is a major concern for the teams he isn't interested in. Houston, Miami, and San Antonio are known to be teams he wants to play for.

The Rockets and Spurs know they don’t have to make a strong trade offer for Kevin Durant, because they are on his preferred destination list, per @WindhorstESPN.

The leverage game between the Suns and teams interested in Durant continues on. pic.twitter.com/S8dmrxXWMI
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 18, 2025

Additionally, a new report from John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 gave insight into the kind of package the Rockets are offering. While Jalen Green, Houston's leading scorer this season, is speculated as the main piece in the deal, another name is assumed to be the best player in the trade.

Gambadoro stated that Jabari Smith Jr., who averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds this past season while switching between a starter and the sixth man, is likely the best player Phoenix could acquire. The Suns likely don't value Green in negotiations, as he struggled in the postseason.

Jabari Smith Jr. is likely the best young player the Suns would be able to obtain in a Kevin Durant trade, per @Gambo987 (https://t.co/g89DKWCtLv).

With Phoenix having no interest in Jalen Green, Houston must build a trade package around Smith to get it over the finish line. pic.twitter.com/gMgnbxjMXb
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 19, 2025

While the Rockets aren't worried about their offers, other teams can swoop in, as Houston isn't the only team Durant prefers. There's no guarantee where the 6-foot-11 scorer ends up, but the Rockets would be a great fit. He adds a mix of shot creation and scoring that Houston desperately needed, especially when looking back on its first-round exit.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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