The Phoenix Suns may have interest in trading away Kevin Durant this offseason, which could be behind the Houston Rockets’ acquisition of future first round picks via the Brooklyn Nets that originated from the Suns. Durant was acquired by the Suns at the 2023 trade deadline and they have had a pair of disappointing playoff runs over the past two seasons.
“I am reporting: pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying, they want out of Kevin Durant right now,” said Stephen A. Smith on First Take on Wednesday. “That’s number one.”
“Why would the Rockets do the deal, Molly?” said Brian Windhorst.
“Also, Houston doesn’t want Kevin Durant,” added Smith. “Ime Udoka may want him, but organizationally, they know they are not there yet. Their plans are more long range and they would prefer a Devin Booker, who they know there’s a slim chance they’ll get.”
Udoka was an assistant coach with the Nets overlapping with Durant. When Durant requested a trade from the Nets during the 2022 offseason, there was interest from him in going to the Boston Celtics when Udoka was still their head coach.