Offseason trade proposal sends Suns’ Kevin Durant to Rockets

One NBA writer proposed that the Houston Rockets trade for Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant this offseason. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Rockets and Suns:

Houston Rockets Receive: F Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: PF Jabari Smith Jr., G Reed Sheppard, SF Dillon Brooks, C Jock Landale, 2027 first-round pick (via Phoenix Suns)

“The Rockets can afford to go big-game hunting this summer thanks to a collection of prospects and future first-round picks,” Swartz wrote. “If the Suns decide to trade Durant, Houston owns multiple Phoenix first-round picks and swap rights that the franchise will undoubtedly want back. Smith and Sheppard are both No. 3 overall picks who are 21 and 20 years old respectively and Brooks helps Phoenix stay competitive now. Durant should be intrigued by joining a team with Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet (team option), Tari Eason and others.”

The Suns are widely expected to trade Durant this offseason.

The Rockets are interested in trading for the future Hall of Famer, an NBA source told Hoops Wire. 

Durant will make $54.7 million next season in the final year of his contract. The Suns are expected to consult Durant on any trade discussions involving him this offseason. 

One of the best scorers in NBA history, Durant is a four-time scoring champion, a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP and a one-time MVP. The Texas product has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns.

NBA insider Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated thinks Durant wants the Suns to trade him to the Rockets this offseason due to KD’s relationship with Houston head coach Ime Udoka. 

“It’s no secret that Phoenix will split with Durant this summer,” Mannix wrote. “Durant has one year left on his contract and even approaching 37 still has incredibly high value. I think—and this is just my opinion—that Durant wants to wind up in Houston. I think if the Rockets wanted Durant before the trade deadline, it would have happened. Durant has a lot of respect for Ime Udoka and in Houston he could be a missing piece to a title contender. I’d keep an eye on that after this season.”

Durant has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks. He turns 37 in September.