‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Kevin Durant To Rockets

May 6, 2025

One NBA analyst thinks the Houston Rockets should trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant this summer.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Rockets and Suns:

Houston Rockets receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns receive: Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, a 2025 first-round pick (their own), a 2027 first-round pick (their own) and a 2028 first-round pick (lottery-protected)

Durant was open to getting traded to the Rockets at the February trade deadline, a source told Hoops Wire. The same source said Houston is expected to pursue a Durant trade this summer.

Durant has a rapport with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who was an assistant coach on the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21 when Durant was on the team.

Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns this season while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from 3 and 83.9% from the free-throw line. He turns 37 in the fall.

“They might be a go-to scorer away from contending for a championship. Their defense and tenacity are already built for basketball’s biggest stage, but they don’t have the creation and shot-making to survive four playoff rounds. Do a deal for Durant, though, and suddenly one of history’s greatest scorers could take care of that,” Buckley wrote.

Durant has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Nets and Suns. He’s a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP and a one-time MVP.

One of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Durant will make $54.7 million next season.

“While Durant isn’t on the team’s timeline, that matters a lot less when the Rockets need what he brings and are otherwise ready to contend,” Buckley wrote. “Plus, since he is on the older side (37 in September), they wouldn’t have to fork over everything to get him. The cost would still be significant, obviously, but there’s an avenue where they add Durant without losing any of Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard or Tari Eason.”