Suns appear to take step toward trading Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns are expected to explore potential trades involving Kevin Durant this summer, and it sounds like they have recently gotten more aggressive in trying to move the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

In a story previewing the upcoming offseason for the Houston Rockets, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that the Rockets and Suns have been in contact about potential trades since the conclusion of the regular season.

Iko says Phoenix has been “aggressive” in trying to find a suitable trade for Durant. The Suns have reached out to Houston multiple times and have even “gradually lowered their asking price” for Durant.

That is significant, as the Suns were at one point said to be seeking three first-round draft picks plus a young player in exchange for Durant. While Durant continued to play at an elite level this season with 26.6 points per game, he will turn 37 in September. Most teams would be concerned about mortgaging their future for Durant given his age and injury history.

The Rockets have also been linked to Devin Booker, but Iko notes that they have reservations about breaking up their young core for either Suns star.

Houston is 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. The Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round.

After going 41-41 in Udoka’s first year, the Rockets are trending in the right direction. Alperen Sengun made his first All-Star appearance this year and averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Amen Thompson, who is the same age as Sengun at 22, has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier defensive players.

Durant reportedly has interest in playing for the Rockets, but he is open to being traded to at least one other contender as well. Ultimately, the Suns will have to determine how low they are willing to go with their asking price to facilitate a deal for their 15-time All-Star.