Rockets’ Trade Package for Kevin Durant Rejected; Suns Dig in on Premium Price
When the Houston Rockets submitted a trade proposal featuring Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, many expected serious negotiations. But it wasn’t enough. Multiple reports confirm the Phoenix Suns balked, demanding much more—including multiple first-round picks and another young player—to even begin discussions.
1. Background: Rockets Make Their Move, Suns Dig In
- The Rockets, sitting near the top of the Western Conference, sought a veteran scorer to complement their youthful core. Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP still averaging 26+ PPG, seemed like a perfect fit (si.com, thedreamshake.com).
- Phoenix, owing dozens for Durant after a massive 2023 acquisition, was under pressure. Their aim: regain draft flexibility and avoid luxury tax apron restrictions .
- The initial offer from Houston—Green and a lottery pick—was deemed insultingly low given Durant’s legacy and ability, even at 36 .
2. Suns’ Price Tag: Three First-Round Picks + Young Talent
Several sources highlight Phoenix’s insistence on:
- Three unprotected first-round draft picks
- One young player (e.g., Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason)
- Salary purge to ease cap pressure under the second apron (reddit.com, reddit.com)
They’ve even prioritized getting under the luxury tax threshold in any deal (reddit.com). As one Reddit summarizer noted:
“Sources informed The Republic the most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first‑round picks and a young player as part of a multi‑team deal tied to getting under the second apron.” (reddit.com)
3. Why Rockets Stepped Back
Several factors made Houston cautious:
- Preserving youth: Their rising core—Green, Smith Jr., Eason, Sengun—served as both future and present building blocks. Surrendering them for a 36-year-old raised risks (thedreamshake.com).
- Health doubts: Durant’s recent injury history added uncertainty, making it risky to give up long-term assets (thedreamshake.com).
- Contract length: With only one year left on Durant’s deal, Houston needed assurance he’d re-sign. Without a firm extension, the move looked like a “rental” (reddit.com).
- Asset drain: Houston already acquired Suns’ draft assets in prior trades. Giving back three first-rounders could cripple future flexibility (si.com).
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst emphasized that patience was Houston’s strategy: they’re “not chasing Durant”, preferring to wait and assess after the draft (sportskeeda.com).
4. Broader Trade Landscape
Phoenix’s stance has implications across the league:
- San Antonio Spurs: Also reluctant to part with recent high picks—like the No. 2 pick or top rookie Stephon Castle—to acquire Durant (reddit.com, nypost.com).
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Their reported offer—Rudy Gobert plus young pieces—was viewed as “a major overpay,” highlighting how outsized salary demands hamper negotiations (sbnation.com).
- Miami Heat: Emerging as serious competitors, possibly leveraging rookie Kel’el Ware—though he hasn’t yet been officially offered (si.com).
Essentially, no team wants to overpay for a player with a steep price tag and uncertain eligibility, especially given the brevity of Durant’s remaining contract.
5. Why Phoenix Won’t Bend Right Now
- Cap relief: Shedding Durant’s $54.7M next season would leave room to clear salary and draft three picks with flexibility .
- Locked-in trio complications: Bradley Beal’s no-trade status and Devin Booker’s untouchable label mean Phoenix must make a choice—keep Durant or keep their core intact, but not both (reddit.com).
- Competitive reset: With just one playoff series victory across Durant’s stint, the Suns may be pivoting to rebuild around a younger foundation (nypost.com).
- Durant’s preference: While Durant wants to play for contenders—Rockets, Heat, Spurs—Phoenix retains leverage. A holdout won’t compromise their demand for maximum value .
6. What’s Next?
- Phoenix likely continues seeking: The Suns might eventually lower their ask, perhaps to two first-round picks and a young player. But for now, they’re sticking firm .
- Houston recalibrates: The Rockets may explore alternatives—Devin Booker or even other All-Stars—while continuing to evaluate their young core development .
- Other suitors emerge: Miami, San Antonio, and even Minnesota linger in talks. Phoenix may consider a multi-team trade to maximize return .
- Durant’s agency matters: His decision—to extend, test free agency, or force a sign-and-trade—could reset the dynamics entirely.
7. Long-Term Stakes
- For Phoenix: Cashing in on Durant might reignite a rebuild and dodge oppressive salary cap constraints.
- For Houston: Adding Durant could vault them into contender status—but might cost the franchise’s future.
- For Durant: Landing someplace competitive could shape his final seasons and legacy.
- For the rest of the NBA: This domino could shift alignment across conferences, from Miami to San Antonio and beyond.
Bottom Line
The Rockets’ initial Durant offer was rebuffed, as Phoenix dug in on an elite package: three first-round picks, a young player, and payroll relief. Houston saw the ask as too steep, fearing asset depletion and overpaying for a 36-year-old. The Suns face hard choices on whether to relent or pursue draft capital and payroll flexibility. Meanwhile, Durant’s final destination remains uncertain amid a landscape of hesitant contenders.
Staying tuned to future developments—especially regarding Durant’s extension status and Phoenix’s evolving demands—will be key. If Phoenix eventually relaxes its standards, Houston—or another team—could swoop in. Until then, the situation is a high-stakes chess game with profound implications.
