Durant Trade: Rockets Likely to Pay a High Price for Suns’ All-Star
Houston May Have to Give Up Key Players for a Shot at Landing Kevin Durant
2025-06-14 08:32:00
Time.news Staff.
The Phoenix Suns continue to explore trading Kevin Durant, with the Houston Rockets as a potential destination. Reports suggest the Rockets might need to offer Jabari Smith and Jalen Green to get a deal done.
- The Suns are shopping Kevin Durant ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
- The Houston Rockets, along with other teams, are pursuing Durant.
- A trade for Durant would likely involve the Rockets sending Jabari Smith and Jalen Green to the Suns.
Will Kevin Durant be traded to the Houston Rockets? It’s a question many fans are asking, and the answer could come at a steep price. According to reports, the Houston Rockets are interested in acquiring the Phoenix Suns’ All-Star forward, but the cost could be high, potentially involving key players like Jabari Smith and Jalen Green.
John Gambodoro, during an appearance on the “Burns & Gambo Show”, suggested that a deal with the Suns would “very likely” include both Jabari Smith and Jalen Green. This potential trade scenario has sparked significant discussion among basketball analysts and fans alike, with many wondering if Houston is willing to part ways with their promising young talent.
“Any deal with the Rockets is very likely to include Jabari Smith and Jalen Green. And you’ve got it, like, they’re going to want to hold on to Eason, they’re going to want to hold on to Sengun. They’re going to want to hold on to their key core players and probably work out a deal around Green and Jabari Smith, which we’ve known for a long time that those would be the key players.”
John Gambodoro on what a Kevin Durant trade will cost the Houston Rockets
The Suns are also reportedly considering the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks as potential trade partners.
Did you know? Kevin Durant’s contract has a $54.708 million cap hit in 2025-’26.
Even if Phoenix pulls the trigger on a deal, questions remain about how Jalen Green would fit with the Suns. He’d be playing alongside Devin Booker. Both players averaged more than 17 field-goal attempts per game last season and they each shot under 36 percent from the perimeter.
As for the Rockets, they may hesitate due to having to move Smith in the deal. Last season, the 6-foot-11 power forward averaged a career-best .117 Win Shares per 48 Minutes. At the very least, a deal centered around Green and Smith for Durant would allow the Rockets to keep Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Reed Shepard.
A deal could also provide the Suns with a big man to slide into the starting lineup next season. Smith is also a restricted free agent next summer, so Phoenix could match any offer he receives in NBA free agency if a deal is made.
Kevin Durant Stats: 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT.
Durant Trade: Rockets Eyeing Suns’ Superstar
Examining the Potential Houston-Phoenix Deal
The 2025 NBA offseason is heating up with trade rumors,adn one of the most compelling involves Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns.
Given the current date, 2025-06-14, it seems this is a developing story that could unfold quickly.The houston Rockets are reportedly very interested in acquiring the skilled forward, but the price might be steep [[3]]. Other teams are also reportedly in the mix to acquire Durant [[1]].
Core Explainer: The Potential Durant Trade
The Phoenix Suns are perhaps looking to move Kevin durant. The houston Rockets consider Durant a valuable addition to their roster. This situation has the potential to reshape both teams’ futures.
The potential deal could involve key young Rockets players like Jabari Smith and Jalen Green. These players are valuable components of Houston’s rebuild [[2]]. Other teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks are also rumored to be interested, which could impact the final deal.
What Could the Rockets Offer?
if the Rockets want Durant, they might need to give Phoenix a important package. One likely scenario involves Houston offering promising young players. This move would provide the Suns with building blocks for the future.
- Jabari Smith: Power forward with a promising future.
- Jalen Green: A young guard with scoring potential.
These players would allow the Suns to maintain a competitive core while retooling for the future.
Benefits & Practical Tips: Analyzing the Trade
From Houston’s perspective, acquiring Durant could elevate them into championship contention. The Rockets would immediately gain an elite scorer and all-around player. The team has to evaluate its readiness to compete at the highest level, or if a trade would be premature, disrupting their established trajectory for a shot at a championship.
For the Suns, trading Durant could allow them to reset their roster and acquire young talent. That would give them some financial versatility and help them avoid the luxury tax, however, they would be forfeiting elite talent in the short term.
Myths vs.Facts: Trade Realities
- Myth: The Rockets can acquire Durant without giving up significant assets.
- Fact: A deal is very likely to include key players like Jabari Smith and jalen Green,as well as future draft considerations.
- Myth: Durant’s age makes him unfavorable to trade for at this point in time.
- Fact: Durant’s scoring and all-around skills make him a valuable asset for any team.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chances of the trade happening?
The likelihood of a trade depends on negotiations, but interest from both sides suggests a possibility. Trade talks could heat up around the 2025 NBA draft.
What impact would Durant’s contract have on Houston?
Kevin Durant’s contract carries a cap hit of almost $55 million for the 2025-’26 season.
Which other teams are interested in Durant?
Besides the Rockets, teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks are reportedly considering a bid.
What would the Suns gain from the trade?
The Suns would likely receive young players, like jabari Smith and Jalen Green, which would provide the franchise with a chance to rebuild its roster.
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