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Rockets Make Bold Trade Offer for Kevin Durant, but Suns Reject Key Piece

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 9:04 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns are currently undergoing drastic changes at almost every level of their organization. Right after the conclusion of the regular season, the Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing 36-46 season. Shortly after, they made a rather shocking decision to move James Jones into a senior advisory role and Brian Gregory as the new general manager.

There were rumors at this past trade deadline that the Suns were actively shopping Durant and that they were close to a deal with the Golden State Warriors, but Durant wasn't intrigued by the reunion and asked the Suns they reconsider. The Suns opted to make one final push for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, but Durant suffered a left ankle sprain and those hopes were dashed.

Rockets make bold Kevin Durant trade offer, Suns reject key piece

There has been wide speculation as to which team(s) are possible suitors for Durant. One team that has been thrown around is the Houston Rockets. Of all the teams rumored to be in the mix, the Rockets can likely offer the Suns one of the better, if not the best, packages in exchange for the 15-time All-Star.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, the Rockets have made a significant offer for Durant, but the Suns rejected a key piece.

"The Rockets have offered Jalen Green and Jabari Smith for Kevin Durant but the Suns don't want Jalen Green," said Gambadoro.

The Rockets have offered Jalen Green and Jabari Smith for Kevin Durant but the Suns don’t want Jalen Green, per @Gambo987

(h/t @Bowersforsix) pic.twitter.com/u2shTcYvwO
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 17, 2025

It could be argued that, of any player throughout the NBA Playoffs, Jalen Green's stock took a hit more than anybody. After averaging 21 points per game in the regular season, he averaged 13.28 per game in the seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors.

That number is misleading. Green exploded for 38 points in Game 2, but was held under 15 points in the other six games and scored in the single digits four times. His style of play alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal would be questionable at best. It remains to be seen if the Suns have their eyes on a different player or are eying more draft compensation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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