Report: Rockets eyeing trade for KD, Booker or another ‘major upgrade’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Houston seems to be a problem.
The Rockets reportedly want to trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday, citing sources.
What does it mean for the Rockets to keep the Suns’ picks? Houston wants to sign Kevin Durant and that becomes a lot easier if they can return to the Nets the Suns picks they gave up in the Durant deal. The Suns have said they will stick with Durant for now, but that could change…
—Adrián Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
However, shortly after the report, Wojnarowski aggregate that the Suns do not want to part with Durant as they want to give their core one more year after a first-round exit in the NBA playoffs as a No. 6 seed.
Still, the Rockets want a “major upgrade” to the roster, and Wojnarowski mentioned they are in a prime position to push for fellow Phoenix star Devin Booker.
The Rockets own a pick swap with the Suns in 2025, the Suns’ pick in 2027 and could end up with the Suns’ pick in 2029 depending on contingencies. If the Suns ever face a team breakup, Houston is also in prime position to pursue a younger Devin Booker. For now, Phoenix is trying to… https://t.co/p29C3XSpe2
—Adrián Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Houston’s ambitions became known after reportedly exchanged picks with Brooklyn networkswhich saw the franchise select franchises that have 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 depending on contingencies.
If the Suns opt out of the Durant-Booker-Bradley Beal experiment early, Houston would have the ability to help Phoenix reclaim its barren cabinet of draft picks.
Houston is led by juniors Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., with Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson also rising.
Veterans Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and Jeff Green all have significant salaries to use in trades, even if it doesn’t involve a Phoenix star coming the other way.