Phoenix Reportedly Lowers Demands for Potential Kevin Durant Deal in Trade Talks
The Lowdown on Kevin Durant's Potential Move to the Houston Rockets
It's been chatter in the basketball realm that the Phoenix Suns might be eyeing a trade deal with the Houston Rockets, centered around the superstar, Kevin Durant. Kathleen Iko of The Athletic shared this intriguing tidbit: since the season's end, the Rockets have had calls from the Suns, who've been gradually lowering their trade demands for Durant.
According to Iko, Houston is interested in a deal, but they're hesitant to break up their squad for a 36-year-old player recovering from an injury. This lingering doubt casts a shadow over a possible trade materializing.
Let's take a peek at Durant's contract specifics, courtesy of Spotrac: his current four-year, $194.21 million deal ends in 2025-26, with a base salary of $53.28 million next season and a cap hit of $54.7 million. It's fascinating to consider the impact Durant could have on the Rockets if a deal goes through.
In 62 games this season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 36.5 minutes, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
The Rockets and Devin Booker
Back in the regular season, there were whispers that the Rockets were aiming for a trade involving Devin Booker. However, they eventually reconsidered such a move. Booker encountered a dip in scoring during the 2022-23 season, marking his lowest score since 2021 and worst shooting since 2019. Booker is currently in the second season of a four-year, $220.44 million contract.
Adding Durant to the mix could enhance the Rockets, who excelled this season, finishing second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record. Despite making the playoffs for the first time since 2020, their postseason run ended in a seven-game series loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Acquiring Durant wouldn't guarantee the Rockets a championship, but their roster boasts a promising group of talented young players.
To avoid dismantling a playoff-caliber roster, the Rockets should only explore a trade for Durant if they can keep their core intact. After all, it wouldn't make sense to sacrifice a solid foundation for an aging superstar.
Durant turns 37 in September.
Behind the Scenes
Some context to this situation: The Suns have been eager to move Durant, and while talks have taken place, they've recently slowed down. The Suns' determination to dampen their asking price for Durant signals their desire to part ways, but whether the Rockets will oblige remains unclear. The Rockets have expressed reservations about tearing apart their roster for a player of Durant's age and injury history.
- If the trade materializes, Kevin Durant could potentially boost the Houston Rockets' performance in the NBA playoffs.
- Despite the whispers, the Rockets ultimately decided against a trade involving Devin Booker during the past season.
- This season, the Rockets finished second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record, marking their postseason return since 2020.
- Given Durant's age and injury history, it's crucial for the Rockets to preserve their core when considering a trade for the NBA superstar.
