Suns 'Riding' With Kevin Durant Amid Trade Interest From Houston Rockets

Despite the Houston Rockets showcasing their interest in a potential trade, the Suns plan to ride with Kevin Durant for the 2024-25 season.

Dec 27, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets catapulted into the league's rumor mill Tuesday night. Following the trade that sent Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, the Rockets revamped their draft capital by acquiring the Phoenix Suns' future picks. This puts Houston in a prime position to trade for an established star.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that the Rockets have their eyes set on Kevin Durant. Should Phoenix decide to part ways with the former league MVP winner, the Rockets would make for a prime trade destination.

Durant's future in Phoenix is uncertain following a disappointing end to the 2023-24 season. But, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, the Suns are "riding" with Durant and their current All-Stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Sources have informed @azcentral the Phoenix Suns aren't looking to trade Kevin Durant and the Suns are "riding" with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Durant. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Fn8NWyV5ny

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 26, 2024

Phoenix's first full year with their Big 3 was a major flop. The Suns finished with a 49-33 record during the regular season. Their season came to an embarrassing end following a four-game sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first round of the 2024 postseason.

At 35 years old, Durant averaged 27.1 points on .523/.413/.856 shooting splits, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists, showcasing that he is still one of the league's top players. He appeared in 75 games during this past season, which marked his highest since his final year with the Golden State Warriors in 2019.

With the Suns aiming to keep Durant and the rest of their All-Star core, the Rockets would remain in a great spot to land another prominent star.

With the first round of the NBA Draft set for Wednesday night, the Rockets are in a superb position to acquire Paul George or Donovan Mitchell should the opportunity present itself. Per a source, coach Ime Udoka is "fond" of Mitchell, while George has become a target for the Rockets.

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