Report: Suns Trying To Trade Kevin Durant To Rockets

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Phoenix Suns are trying to trade Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. 

The Suns want to regain full control of their draft capital, starting with the No. 10 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. 

“This is not to say the Rockets and Suns are not in communication. On the contrary, Phoenix is aggressive in pursuit of a) trading Kevin Durant and b) regaining full control of their draft capital starting with the No. 10 pick in next month’s draft, team sources said,” Iko wrote.

“Since the conclusion of the season, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant, those sources said. There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing.”

The Suns missed the playoffs this year despite having Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Mike Budenholzer was fired as head coach after one season. 

Meanwhile, the Rockets made the postseason this year for the first time since 2020. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round in seven games. 

Durant turns 37 in September. The future Hall of Famer averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns this season while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line.

A two-time champion, Durant has one year left on his contract. He’ll make $54,708,609 next season. 

Durant has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns. He’s a two-time Finals MVP.

The Suns acquired Durant from the Nets in 2023. Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2023 playoffs and was swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.  

Durant doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control his future.