NBA Notes: Rockets, Kevin Durant, Jazz, Kevin Love, Grizzlies

Rockets

Kevin Durant wanted Houston. Could he eventually want out of Houston?

ESPN recently asked a panel of NBA experts which star might be the next to request a trade, and Durant received three points in the voting, behind Anthony Davis (10) and Kyrie Irving (four).

Zion Williamson also received three, while James Harden and Jaylen Brown received two apiece.

Tim MacMahon noted that Durant has a player option for 2027-28, much like Irving and Davis. Durant also chose Houston as his preferred destination when Phoenix made him available in 2025 and subsequently signed an extension below his maximum salary to give the Rockets additional flexibility.

Of course, none of that means Durant is preparing his next trade request.

He averaged 26.0 points in 78 games last season, and Houston still has Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet around him. The Rockets won more than 50 games before losing to the Lakers in the first round.

So yes, Durant made ESPN’s list. Given his history, he’s probably going to make lists like this until he retires.

Jazz

The Jazz created an open roster spot when they traded Cody Williams and John Konchar to Minnesota for Josh Green.

Now comes the obvious question: What do they do with it?

Jared Koch of Jazz On SI suggested Kevin Love as one veteran worth watching. Love spent last season in Utah and would give the Jazz another experienced frontcourt option after Walker Kessler‘s departure.

That appears to be speculation rather than reporting of active talks, but the fit is at least easy enough to understand.

Utah also has some decisions to make on the wing after adding Green. Josh Okogie and Svi Mykhailiuk are among the veterans competing for minutes there.

Green may not necessarily be around for the long haul, either. He’s on an expiring contract worth a little more than $14 million, which could make him useful in another trade before February.

The Jazz just acquired him, so perhaps we shouldn’t trade him again before he gets his locker. Then again, this is the NBA.

Grizzlies

Zach Edey showed plenty when he actually played last season. The problem was the “actually played” part.

Edey appeared in only 11 games for Memphis, averaging 13.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while shooting 63 percent from the field.

Austin Dobbins of Grizzlies On SI argues that this season could go a long way toward determining how Memphis views Edey’s future. Hard to argue with that.

Edey played 66 games as a rookie before injuries wiped out most of his second season. Memphis already exercised his option for this year and will face another contract decision by Oct. 31.

When healthy, the 7-foot-4 center has given the Grizzlies rebounding, rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket.

So the question isn’t whether Edey can play. It’s whether Memphis can count on him to play often enough.

A healthy season would make that answer considerably easier.