Report: Rockets seeking trade for KD, Booker or other ‘major upgrade’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Houston seems to be a problem.
The Rockets are reportedly looking to trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday, citing sources.
The implications of the rockets landing the Suns’ picks? Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant and that will be much easier if they can return the Suns’ picks they gave up in the Durant deal to the Nets. Suns have said they will keep Durant for now, but that could change…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Shortly after the report, however, Wojnarowski added that the Suns don’t want to part ways with Durant because they want to give their core another year after an exit in the first round of the NBA playoff as the No. 6 seed.
Still, the Rockets want a “major upgrade” to the roster, with Wojnarowski saying they are in a prime position to sign fellow Phoenix star Devin Booker.
Rockets have a pick swap with Suns in 2025, Suns pick in 2027 and could end up with Suns pick in 2029 based on contingency. If the Suns ever have to deal with the breakup of their team, Houston is also in a prime position to pursue a younger Devin Booker. For now, Phoenix is ​​trying… https://t.co/p29C3XSpe2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Houston’s ambitions became known afterward Reportedly traded picks with the Brooklyn Nets, who saw the franchise land selections with ties to Phoenix.
Once the deals become official, Houston will have a pick swap with the Suns in 2025, the Suns’ first-round pick in 2027, and could also own Phoenix’s pick in 2029 on a contingency basis.
Should the Suns abandon the Durant, Booker and Bradley Beal experiment early, Houston would have the cap space to help Phoenix recoup its barren draft pick cabinet.
Houston is led by youngsters Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., while Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson are also on the rise.
Veterans Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and Jeff Green have significant salaries they can use in trades even if no Phoenix star comes the other way.
