Suns forfeiting No. 10 pick to Rockets might pave the way for a potential Kevin Durant trade.
The Phoenix Suns' Predicament: Durant and Beal's Arrival, Draft Picks Gone Astray
The Phoenix Suns find themselves in a puzzling predicament following the acquisition of stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. It's not the stardust that's causing confusion; it's the Suns' compromised draft picks.
Before the NBA Draft Lottery, whispers circulated that Durant had expressed an interest in joining the Houston Rockets.
In the NBA Draft Lottery, the Rockets secured the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a potential game-changer for a potential Durant trade.
Yet, the water's murky. Houston declared it wasn't interested in trading for Durant on Monday. Still, many speculate that the Rockets are merely bluffing.
The Rockets, seeded second, were ousted in the first round despite recording 52 wins. Boasting one of the league's youngest lineups, their inexperience was exposed against playoff veterans like the Golden State Warriors.
As soon as their season concluded, the Durant-to-Houston chatter ignited, making waves despite the Rockets' denial of interest.
Interestingly, the Rockets ranked 20th in league salary cap, while the Suns topped the list and were teetering on the tax apron. With the Suns barred from aggregating contracts in trades, a Durant move could be a match made in heaven.
The Suns could unload Durant's near $60 million contract, easing their tax woes, and accumulate a stack of unprotected draft picks from Houston, a win-win situation.
Is a Kevin Durant Trade to the Rockets Possible?
The No. 10 pick is a valued asset for the Suns, offering a variety of established or international prospects to choose from. NBA insider and our website's own Brett Siegel anticipates French power forward Collin Murray-Boyles as a potential top-10 selection.
However, the Suns need more guard presence to divert attention from Devin Booker. Names like Duke's Kon Knueppel, French guard Nolan Traore, and BYU point guard Egor Demin surface as potential targets.
In particular, Demin's size and international experience would align with the Suns' defensive identity, while Knueppel could provide that secondary scoring boost alongside Booker. Traore's speed, craftiness, and veteran playstyle garner attention, yet concerns linger regarding his ceiling.
The Rockets' No. 10 Pick: A Goldmine for the Suns
If the Suns elect to hold onto Durant, the consequences could be significant. During the 2024-25 season, the Suns surrendered their only first-round pick for three from the Utah Jazz.
While the триppingoosts landed promising rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro with their respective picks, the 'least favorable' clause means they may not secure those picks each year.
A Top 10 draft pick presents greater flexibility, allowing the team to build around nine-year veteran Booker, who relishes playing with his teammates. With Durant's potential departure looming, the coveted No. 10 pick could be the Suns' ticket to securing a promising prospect.
In light of the ongoing rumors, the dismissal of Houston Rockets' interest in Kevin Durant raises questions about the validity of the claims, with many still speculating that the Rockets might be feigning indifference. If the Rockets were to trade their No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Phoenix Suns, it could significantly alleviate the Suns' tax woes and bolster their draft arsenal, providing a potential solution to their predicament in the sports realm, particularly in basketball and the NBA.
