The biggest story unfolding this offseason is figuring out what will happen with former Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Kevin Durant. Following a disastrous season with the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix will listen to trade offers for Durant, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania revealed on ESPN’s NBA Today one team that could have interest in Durant, though said interest would depend on how the playoffs shake out for them.
“This is a Houston (Rockets) team we need to keep an eye on in this playoff run because when you think about monitoring who does well in the playoffs and who might struggle. There is going to be a level of mutual interest - there has been already - with them and Kevin Durant with the Suns,” Charania said.
He then outlined what could get the Rockets to chase after him.
“If you lose early, you don’t win or enough to where you want to (be), could you look at Kevin Durant once again this offseason? Monitor them,” Charania said.
Durant played for the Thunder from 2007 to 2016, where he won Most Valuable Player, made seven All-Star games, made six All-NBA teams, and took the franchise to its last NBA Finals appearance in 2012.
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The Rockets make a lot of sense as a trade partner for Durant. He will enter the last year of a four-year, $194 million contract in 2026, but the Rockets can offer the Suns their own first-round picks back, which would help the Suns feel more comfortable about starting a new chapter. The real question in negotiations will be how many of the Suns’ first-round picks they’d be willing to send back for Durant.
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