Now that the draft lottery order is set, it's time for the Phoenix Suns to try to rebuild their draft assets, starting with the main event in June. The best way for them to do so is by trading Kevin Durant, and a team with a lottery pick (cough, Rockets, cough) could be interested in using their pick in a trade for a star.
Houston is one of the teams that ESPN's Shams Charania reported was interested in Durant before the deadline. The Rockets rebuilt their identity under Ime Udoka as a gritty defensive team, but they need a go-to scorer like KD. The Rockets finished with the second-best record in the West, but didn't have the offensive firepower to get past the Warriors in the first round.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon recently reported that Houston is expected to have "internal discussions" this summer about trading for a star, but the Rockets are high on their young core. A trade for Durant would require Houston to send one of its young players to Phoenix. The Rockets aren't in desperation mode, meaning there is no pressure for them to make a major trade.
Will Rockets be interested in Kevin Durant trade this summer?
Still, using the No. 10 pick (that came from the Suns) in a trade is enticing. Houston performed better than anyone expected in the regular season, but performed as expected in the postseason. The Rockets would jump up the ranks with Durant.
One of the main concerns about trading for Durant is his age. He'll be 37 before the 2025-26 season starts. He's still playing at a high level, though. KD averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Suns in 62 contests.
On Monday, The Athletic's Sam Amick and Kelly Iko reported that Durant is "very interested" in playing in Houston (subscription required). However, the Rockets reportedly have "significant reservations about that potential partnership." Durant's age was listed as a factor. Amick and Iko added that previous trade talks between the two teams were "initiated" by the Suns.
Will Houston's sentiment about a KD trade change as the official start of the NBA offseason draws nearer? Phoenix should hope so, as having a top-10 pick in a solid draft class would be a good consolation prize for fans after what they had to endure.