Kevin Durant to Rockets saga takes a new turn as Suns owner sets the record straight on rumors
Despite acquiring 14-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns still struggled in the 2023-24 season. The Suns looked shaky at times and while they made the Playoffs with a 49-33 record, they were unceremoniously swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
This resulted in Frank Vogel being fired after just one season and based on the rumors, the front office was not done yet. It was reported that KD was being shopped by the team in hopes of improving the roster but has taken to X to deny these rumors.
Here is what the Suns owner said regarding KD and the trade rumors.
"NBA Draft night is the best. Everyone talking about the drama and storylines, some are right and some are just wrong," Ishbia said in his post. "Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it. Gotta love draft night! Go Suns."
Kevin Durant will be 36 years old when the 2024-25 season begins but he remains one of the most coveted talents in the league. Both he and Devin Booker led the Suns in points as they both averaged 27.1 points in 2023-24.
KD did so while shooting 52.3% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. He also averaged 5.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists.
Also read: Kevin Durant reckons Caitlin Clark has to take 'proper steps' for Olympic consideration
There are conflicting rumors regarding Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns
The team that reportedly has Kevin Durant on their radar is the Houston Rockets according to reports from Brian Windhorst. According to Windhorst, the Rockets could use 2023 Most Improved Player of the Year finalist Aleperen Sengun as part of a trade package for KD.
Adrian Wojnarowski has also reported that the Rockets are "intrigued" in KD but with the Suns' reportedly wanting to keep their core together in pursuit of a title, Houston's front office could end up using their assets to pursue other stars.
On the other hand, Stephen A. Smith said on First Take that the Suns "want out" of KD. At the same time, Stephen A. claims that the Rockets do not want to take him as well.
According to Stephen A., the Rockets are looking to build for the future and are more willing to put together a trade package for a younger star like Devin Booker who can grow with the team.
When the Suns traded for KD in 2023, they sent more than just Mikal Bridges. Aside from a few other players, the Suns also gave up their 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029 first-round picks.
That 2027 first-round pick from the Suns now belongs to the Rockets after they swapped several future picks with the Nets. The Suns' 2027 first-rounder could be an appealing asset for Phoenix as it means they get back one of the assets they gave up for KD.
However, reports suggest that the Rockets are willing to use that pick to acquire more assets.