The NBA offseason is ablaze with blockbuster trade rumors, and the Phoenix Suns are fanning the flames by reportedly lowering their asking price for superstar Kevin Durant. After a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the Suns are aggressively pursuing a trade to move the 15-time All-Star and regain control of their draft capital, with the Houston Rockets emerging as a key player in the discussions. As Durant’s trade value shifts, the possibility of him joining a young, rising Rockets squad or another contender has fans buzzing. Will Phoenix’s lowered demands spark a bidding war for the former MVP, or will Houston’s hesitation over his age and injury history keep this deal grounded? This unfolding drama could reshape the NBA’s landscape.
The Suns’ Push to Trade Durant
The Phoenix Suns’ 2024-25 season was a stark contrast to their championship aspirations. Finishing with a 36-46 record and missing the postseason for the first time since 2020, the Suns are now at a crossroads. Their star-studded roster, featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, failed to gel, prompting aggressive moves to reshape the team. According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, Phoenix has been in constant contact with the Houston Rockets, gradually lowering their asking price for Durant in hopes of securing a deal that includes regaining their 2025 No. 10 draft pick and other assets.
This shift comes after the Suns traded away significant draft capital—four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029) and a 2028 pick swap—to acquire Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in 2023. With limited control over their draft picks until 2032 and a payroll bloated by Durant’s $54.7 million expiring contract, Phoenix is desperate to reset their roster and financial flexibility. However, Durant’s age (36) and recent injury concerns, including a calf strain, have tempered expectations, forcing the Suns to lower their demands to attract suitors.
Houston’s Temptation and Hesitation
The Houston Rockets, fresh off a 52-30 season and a second-place finish in the Western Conference, are an intriguing destination for Durant. Their playoff run ended in a seven-game loss to the Golden State Warriors, highlighting their need for a go-to scorer to complement their young core of Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason—all 23 or younger. Durant, averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting in 62 games last season, could be the veteran superstar to elevate Houston into true title contention.
Yet, the Rockets are cautious. Iko notes that while there’s a price point where Houston would be interested, they fear disrupting their promising roster for a 36-year-old with an injury history. The Rockets hold Phoenix’s 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, giving them leverage in negotiations. A proposed trade could involve returning some of these picks, along with players like Jabari Smith Jr. or Cam Whitmore, but Houston’s commitment to their long-term vision raises doubts about a deal materializing.
The Durant Trade Market
Phoenix’s decision to lower their asking price opens the door for other teams to enter the fray. Durant’s elite scoring and versatility make him a fit for nearly any roster, but his age, $54.7 million salary, and impending free agency in 2026 limit his trade value compared to the 2023 haul. Teams like the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves have shown mutual interest in the past, with Miami nearly pulling off a deal at the February 2025 deadline before balking at Phoenix’s “massive request” for picks and young players.
The Suns’ aggressive pursuit suggests they’re open to a bidding war, which could maximize their return. However, as Bill Simmons recently pointed out, Durant’s inability to find contentment since his 2017 Warriors days and his history of leaving teams in disarray could deter some suitors. Still, for a team like Houston, Durant’s scoring prowess could address their offensive struggles against elite defenses, as seen in their playoff loss. The question is whether any team will meet Phoenix’s revised demands or if the Suns will be forced to accept a lower return to escape their financial bind.
The Risks and Rewards
Trading for Durant is a high-stakes gamble. For Houston, adding a two-time NBA champion could transform them into a championship contender, but sacrificing young talent and draft picks for a player nearing 37 with a history of injuries—like a 2019 Achilles rupture—carries significant risk. A mock trade proposed by Bleacher Report suggests Houston could offer Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and draft picks, but the Rockets’ reluctance to part with core players like Amen Thompson or Alperen Şengün complicates matters.
For Phoenix, moving Durant is about more than just roster fit—it’s about escaping the second-apron penalties that restrict roster moves and threaten future draft picks. Regaining their 2025 No. 10 pick is a priority, but the Suns’ limited assets make it challenging to secure a package that balances immediate help with long-term flexibility. The lowered asking price could attract new suitors, but it also signals desperation, potentially weakening their leverage.
The NBA’s Watching Eyes
The Durant trade saga is a storyline to watch as the NBA Draft approaches. Posts on X reflect the frenzy, with some claiming a deal with Houston is imminent, while others highlight the Rockets’ doubts about Durant’s fit with their young timeline. If Phoenix can spark a bidding war, they might recoup more value than expected, but the risk of settling for a diminished return looms large. For Houston, the decision hinges on whether Durant’s immediate impact outweighs the long-term cost of breaking up their rising core. The outcome of these talks could redefine both franchises’ futures.
Kevin Durant’s potential trade from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets or another contender is one of the NBA’s most gripping offseason narratives. With Phoenix lowering their asking price to regain draft capital and escape financial constraints, the door is open for a blockbuster deal. However, Houston’s hesitation to part with their young stars for an aging, injury-prone veteran creates uncertainty. As the NBA world watches, the question remains: will Durant’s scoring genius find a new home, or will Phoenix’s gamble fall short? This high-stakes drama is set to reshape the league, and fans are on the edge of their seats.