BREAKING: Houston Rockets Poised to “Steal” Kevin Durant from Phoenix Suns – Mega-Million Deal Nearing Completion?
Rockets Ready to Bet the Future for Superstar Kevin Durant
Phoenix, Arizona – The NBA world is buzzing with reports that the Houston Rockets are quietly orchestrating a blockbuster deal to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, involving tens of millions of dollars and valuable assets.
According to exclusive insider sources, the proposed trade would see the Suns receive Jalen Green (23), Jabari Smith Jr. (22), and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, while Houston would acquire Kevin Durant and the 29th overall pick.
Jalen Green – A Raw Diamond with Immense Potential
Jalen Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is under a $33.3 million contract for next season and is regarded as one of the NBA’s most promising scoring guards. With impressive stats averaging 20.1 points per game and a 42/34/80 shooting split, Green is expected to be a key piece in helping the Suns rebuild with a younger roster.
However, analysts suggest Green isn’t a long-term solution for Phoenix but rather a tool to break down Durant’s massive contract into more manageable pieces, creating financial flexibility for the organization in the coming years.
Jabari Smith Jr. – A Name Poised to “Explode” in Phoenix
Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has faced challenges in Houston with an inconsistent role and significantly reduced playing time compared to his first two seasons. After starting all 155 games in his first two years, Smith started only 39 of 57 games in the 2023-24 season, impacting his performance.
Standing at 6’10” with versatile defensive skills and potential as a floor-spacer, Smith is seen as an ideal fit for the Suns’ rebuilding plans. Experts believe a fresh start in Phoenix, with a defined role and consistent minutes, could unlock the next phase of his career.
Rockets Lack Firepower in Clutch Moments
The Houston Rockets proved their strength by pushing the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round of the playoffs, but the experience taught them a costly lesson about the importance of a true “closer.” As games slowed down and pressure mounted, Houston exposed a critical lack of offensive firepower, especially in decisive final minutes.
Kevin Durant, with his vast experience and elite scoring ability in high-pressure situations, is the missing piece Houston needs to seriously contend for an NBA championship. Acquiring Durant not only adds a world-class star but also brings invaluable playoff experience and confidence to a young roster.
What Does the Deal Offer the Phoenix Suns?
For the Phoenix Suns, this trade presents a golden opportunity to inject youth and much-needed financial flexibility into an aging roster burdened by massive contracts. Acquiring Green, Smith, and the No. 10 pick provides the Suns with three assets that can be developed, traded, or leveraged in future deals.
Jalen Green could be flipped in another trade for players better aligned with the team’s long-term vision or packaged in a complex multi-team deal. Regardless of the approach, the primary goal is to dismantle Durant’s hefty contract and restore financial flexibility to the organization.
Risks and Challenges Ahead
The deal is not without risks for both sides, particularly for Houston, which will face pressure to sign Durant to a costly extension in the future. The Rockets are betting that Phoenix’s fortunes will continue to decline, making the Suns’ 2027 draft pick a valuable safety net if things don’t go as planned.
Financially, Houston will need to perform some complex salary cap maneuvers, including declining the team option for Aaron Holiday, to create enough cap space for the deal. This underscores the Rockets’ seriousness and determination to land Durant.
Who Holds the Final Decision?
All eyes are now on Brian Gregory and the Phoenix Suns’ front office, who will make the ultimate call on whether to pull the trigger on a deal that could reshape both franchises. With Durant entering the later stages of his career and the Suns needing to rebuild, this may be their last chance to maximize value from the superstar.
Is the deal too lopsided in Phoenix’s favor, or are the Rockets overpaying for Kevin Durant? The answer will soon emerge as both sides continue negotiations to finalize the details of this potential blockbuster trade in the coming days.