ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that the Houston Rockets have expressed interest in trading for Kevin Durant. This announcement followed a significant deal between the Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets, which came after the Nets’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the New York Knicks.
The trade details involve the Rockets returning the Nets’ 2026 first-round pick in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, Houston will gain the right to swap their 2025 first-round pick with either Houston’s or Oklahoma City’s first-round pick for the Suns’ 2025 first-round pick.
Wojnarowski elaborated on how these moves could facilitate Houston’s pursuit of Durant. “Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant, and that becomes far easier if they can return the Suns’ picks that they gave up in the Durant deal to the Nets,” he explained. Although the Suns have indicated they intend to keep Durant for now, Wojnarowski suggested this stance might change next season. With these new picks, Houston is in a stronger position to make the Suns whole again, potentially paving the way for a Durant trade.
However, Wojnarowski also noted that Houston could use these picks for other strategic moves. “As intrigued as the Rockets have been about Durant, they’re determined to use the Suns picks to be aggressive on deals elsewhere now,” he said. The Rockets are looking to make significant upgrades to their roster, while the Suns have expressed a desire to maintain their current lineup.
This potential trade scenario underscores the Rockets’ aggressive strategy in the trade market. By acquiring valuable draft picks, Houston is positioning itself for a major acquisition, whether it’s Durant or another high-profile player. The team’s management is focused on leveraging these assets to significantly enhance their roster and compete at a higher level.
The Rockets’ moves reflect a broader strategy to build a competitive team through both acquiring star talent and maximizing their draft capital. Whether or not a trade for Durant materializes, Houston’s recent actions indicate a commitment to making impactful changes to their team structure. The future trades and acquisitions the Rockets pursue will likely be influenced by their current and newly acquired draft assets, as they aim to position themselves as a formidable force in the NBA.
