Report: Kevin Durant ‘very interested’ in Western Conference playoff team

Kevin Durant has not indicated that he plans to ask the Phoenix Suns for a trade, but a list of potential suitors seems to be taking shape should the two sides opt to part ways this summer.

Durant has been linked to the Houston Rockets since at least last season. In a story that was published in The Athletic on Monday, Kelly Iko and Sam Amick reported that Durant is “very interested” in playing for the Rockets. However, Houston is said to have “significant reservations” about pursuing Durant in a trade.

Durant will turn 37 in September. The Rockets are armed with the draft picks and young players that would be needed to acquire a star player like Durant, but they just reached the playoffs following a 52-30 season under Ime Udoka. Houston went 41-41 in Udoka’s first year as head coach last year, so they are trending in the right direction.

The Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the opening round, but they have plenty to build on heading into next season. Alperen Sengun made his first All-Star appearance this year and averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Thompson, who is the same age as Sengun at 22, has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier defensive players.

Former No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green struggled against the Warriors, but he averaged 21.0 points during the regular season and has not missed a game the last two years. The Rockets still have faith in the 23-year-old as well, according to Iko and Amick.

There was talk last summer that the Rockets were positioning themselves to make a run at Durant. While they will likely have conversations about Durant and other star players, it would hardly be a surprise if they preferred to stick with their current young core and make smaller moves.

Durant is said to have mutual interest with a new team. He will be the subject of trade rumors all offseason and the Rockets are likely to be part of the discussion.