Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is no stranger to switching teams, having played for four different franchises since being drafted. If the Seattle SuperSonics –rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder –are counted, that’s another. Still, the Slim Reaper looked like he could really make his last stand in the desert.
Kevin Durant’s Admissions Illuminate Rockets Offseason Possibility
The Suns have a grand, though perhaps not prestigious, history. That may not matter to every player but basketball aficionados like himself tend to respect that, especially the ones with special talent. They have two other All-Star-level players, which he’s had for the bulk of his career. In that same vein, they have an aggressive front office and passionate owner. Knowing that the franchise he plays for would likely always strive to be a title-contender while he was on the roster probably adds to his comfort with the organization.
Yet, since the NBA Trade Deadline, it’s become clear he might leave as early as this offseason. If so, he’ll have multiple suitors. In fact, just last week, at least five teams were in contact with Phoenix about potentially trading for Durant: the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors are the only team he’s known to have explicitly said no to.
The Durant Connection
Following the Suns’ narrow loss to the Houston Rockets, Durant spoke to reporters about his relationship with their personnel. He acknowledged he and Rockets cornerstone Jalen Green “built a good bond over the last few years.” He relays that he’s worked out with 2022 No. 3 pick Jabari Smith Jr. and has watched him since high school. The 36-year-old even praised Rockets strategist Ime Udoka, whose teams he’s played against and whom he’s been coached by.
Kevin Durant has worked out with a number of Rockets over the offseason and has developed relationships with a few:
On Jalen Green: “We’ve built a good bond.”
On Jabari Smith: “Somebody I’ve watched since high school and Auburn.”
“These guys just want to be great.” pic.twitter.com/kk95pC3Cgc
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) February 13, 2025
With Houston long regarded as Durant’s potential landing spots, it makes his comments all the more intriguing. Right now, he’s committed to the Suns. In the summertime, who knows where his mind could be. Whether it’s another abbreviated playoff run or just more trade rumors, another fresh start might not sound so bad.
What if, whether or not Durant requested a trade, the Rockets came calling? By now, everyone has realized that Bradley Beal isn’t giving up his seat because he doesn’t want to relocate his family. Devin Booker, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, won’t be pushed out of his throne. Durant simply isn’t tethered to the organization the same way the other two are.
Amen Thompson To The Suns?
If Durant were traded to Houston, Green and Smith sound like two players who wouldn’t mind playing alongside. The irony is that they’re the two players people believe the Rockets would be likely to trade in a blockbuster deal. If the goal is to have as cohesive a unit as possible, that means the other half of their young core would be candidates.
Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Sengun, one of the more skilled centers in the league, has blossomed defensively under Udoka. Thompson, a chiseled multi-positional tool, is among the league’s best wing defenders. Though Houston may not have to give up both, it’ll be interesting to see who they decide to move.
Thompson certainly makes more sense positionally with Durant on board. Furthermore, given the Suns’ pursuit of Jimmy Butler, they’d want to complement Booker and Beal with a similar player. Butler’s a more advanced scorer that Thompson but both get after it at the other end and offer help as playmakers.
© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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