The Houston Rockets have made a concrete offer for Kevin Durant, but the Phoenix Suns remain unmoved, according to reporting from The Athletic.
Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski detailed that the Rockets and Suns have engaged in serious trade talks, though Phoenix has been “seriously underwhelmed” by Houston’s proposal. Despite the mutual dialogue, no breakthrough appears imminent.
The Rockets, who earned the No. 2 seed in the West this season, are unwilling to include rising stars Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson in the deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Both players are viewed as foundational pieces and have been declared untouchable in trade discussions.
Houston’s proposal is believed to center around Jalen Green. The 23-year-old guard averaged 21.0 points during the regular season but struggled with consistency in the playoffs. His $33.33 million salary for 2025–26 makes him a plausible trade centerpiece, though the Suns are not yet convinced of the return value.
Durant, 36, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 75 games in 2024–25. While he has expressed interest in joining the Rockets, the Suns are prioritizing maximum value rather than appeasing the veteran forward’s preferences.
Phoenix missed the playoffs after finishing 11th in the West and is exploring several options to retool its roster around Devin Booker. The front office has already explored the trade market for Bradley Beal without success and is now turning its attention to finding the best possible return for Durant.
League sources told HoopsHype that Phoenix has done preliminary background work on Green and could consider rerouting him if acquired. However, no formal framework involving a third team has been reported.
Amen Thompson posted 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his sophomore campaign, earning First Team All-Defensive honors. He elevated his play in the postseason, averaging 15.7 points and 1.7 steals.
Sengun solidified his role as one of the league’s top young centers, averaging 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He increased his production to 20.9 points and 11.9 rebounds during the playoffs.
According to The Athletic, San Antonio and Miami remain in the mix for Durant but have yet to submit compelling offers. The Spurs have taken a conservative approach, while Miami’s involvement is ongoing but similarly limited in traction.
Durant has listed Houston, Miami, and San Antonio as preferred destinations, per Shams Charania. The Timberwolves, despite internal interest, are reportedly not under serious consideration.
