The Houston Rockets might not be playoff contenders yet, but they are on the cusp of making that leap. On Tuesday night, the Rockets made a strategic move by acquiring two of the Phoenix Suns’ first-round picks (an unprotected 2027 first-rounder and a 2025 pick swap) to position themselves for the potential acquisition of Kevin Durant if the Suns decide to dismantle their team.
Throughout the offseason, reports have suggested that the Rockets are aiming to add a star wing player to advance their rebuilding efforts. Durant has been mentioned, though a trade with the Suns seemed unlikely until the Rockets’ recent trade with the Nets. Now, the Rockets have a better chance of acquiring Durant, although the most probable scenario remains Durant staying in Phoenix for another season.
However, if the Suns decide to rebuild sooner, the Rockets should be ready with this trade proposal:
**Rockets acquire:** Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen
**Suns acquire:** Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, Jae’Sean Tate, Steven Adams, 2025 PHX first-round pick (negating pick swap), 2027 PHX first-round pick, 2025 HOU first-round pick, 2027 HOU first-round pick, two second-round picks
The Rockets face a critical decision in pursuing a Durant trade. They might consider trading Alperen Sengun or Jalen Green to keep some of their draft picks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested Sengun could be a key piece in a potential Durant trade, noting the Rockets’ third overall pick in this year’s draft could be used to select Donovan Clingan as Sengun’s replacement.
Sengun, however, is one of the Rockets’ top players, averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists last season. At just 22, he’s already a significant offensive asset. Trading Sengun for Durant might be counterproductive, as the Rockets need his creative offense to succeed.
It’s often said that acquiring talent requires giving up talent, but the Rockets can likely form a trade package without including Sengun or Green. Green, despite some inefficiencies and occasional benchings, ended the 2023-24 season strongly and is also just 22.
Windy on First Take this morning says that if the Rockets take Donovan Clingan with the #3 pick, they could offer Alperen Sengun, along with the PHX picks they just acquired from Brooklyn, to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/6njHbsn8vB
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) June 26, 2024
In this hypothetical scenario, Durant would benefit from a team with players who complement him on both ends of the court. The Rockets could keep their third overall pick to draft another promising player to help replace those they trade away.
The players leaving the Rockets aren’t insignificant. Jabari Smith Jr. is a 6’11” floor-spacing defender who significantly improved his efficiency last season. At 21 and the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, he’s a valuable trade centerpiece. Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason are promising young talents who could thrive with more playing time elsewhere. Whitmore has shown potential as an energetic scorer, and while Eason has had injury issues, he’s a strong rebounder and floor spacer. Whitmore is almost 20, and Eason is 23.
Trading these young players will be tough, but it’s preferable to trading Amen Thompson. Though Thompson struggled with three-point shooting last season, he’s versatile, capable of defending multiple positions, and is an excellent rebounder. Thompson averaged 13.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a rookie, showing promise as a forward.
Regarding draft picks, the market was reset by the Mikal Bridges trade, which fetched five first-round picks and a pick swap. Therefore, it’s unlikely Durant would go for fewer picks. However, with the Rockets offering talented young players and returning two Suns picks, along with two Rockets picks, the deal should be sufficient to acquire Durant.
