Kevin Durant is expected to leave the Phoenix Suns this summer, with the Houston Rockets emerging as a likely destination, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst.
Following the February 6 trade deadline, Durant, a 17-year veteran and 14-time All-Star, has reportedly been frustrated after learning he was involved in trade discussions without prior knowledge. Windhorst stated on his Hoops Collective podcast, “I would just say that the biggest thing Kevin Durant was upset about, I think, not knowing he was involved in trade talks.”
Durant was part of a proposed three-team deal that would have sent Jimmy Butler to Phoenix and reunited Durant with the Golden State Warriors, where he won two championships in 2017 and 2018. However, Durant reportedly told the Warriors he had no interest in returning, leading the team to trade for Butler instead.
With one year remaining on his contract at $54.7 million, Durant would need to request a trade, though options are limited due to salary cap restrictions. The Houston Rockets, however, have significant financial flexibility this summer. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn explained, “No team gains more financial flexibility on the trade market than Houston this summer.” The Rockets could clear cap space by moving Fred VanVleet and leveraging the rising contract values of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Houston, already a playoff contender, holds Phoenix’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, which could be key in any potential deal for Durant.
