Kevin Durant is expected to be on the trade market this summer, but his next destination remains uncertain. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Durant has strong connections to the Houston Rockets, who have emerged as the frontrunners to acquire the two-time champion.
“Phoenix will split with Kevin Durant this summer. Durant has one year left on his contract and even approaching 37 still has incredibly high value,” said Durant. “I think—and this is just my opinion—that Durant wants to wind up in Houston. I think if the Rockets wanted Durant before the trade deadline, it would have happened. Durant has a lot of respect for Ime Udoka and in Houston, he could be a missing piece to a title contender. I’d keep an eye on that after this season.”
Since winning back-to-back championships with the Warriors, Durant, now 36, has been searching for a long-term home. After parting ways with Stephen Curry and forcing a move from Brooklyn, he landed in Phoenix, hoping it would be his final stop. However, things haven’t gone as planned. The Suns sacrificed significant assets to form a new big three, but under Mat Ishbia’s leadership, the roster has become unbalanced and lacks the necessary depth.
Despite Durant’s strong performances—averaging 26.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game—the Suns are currently sitting in 10th place in the West, falling short of expectations. Trade rumors have surrounded him since February, and with another disappointing season unfolding, he appears ready to move on.
This offseason, Durant will attract plenty of interest, but the Rockets might be his best fit. With a 45-25 record, Houston ranks second in the West and is one of the league’s most improved teams. Their young core, featuring Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, continues to develop, positioning the team for sustained success.
As one of the NBA’s premier scoring forwards, Durant would seamlessly integrate into the Rockets’ lineup. While Houston boasts the league’s third-best defense, their offense ranks just 13th (averaging 114.7 points per game). Durant’s presence would significantly elevate their scoring and overall potential.
Additionally, playing under Ime Udoka—who has earned a strong reputation for his coaching—could be another appealing factor. Udoka has a history of maximizing his team’s talent, and Durant reportedly respects his leadership.
Whether the Rockets have the assets and determination to acquire Durant remains to be seen, but they are expected to be in the mix if the Suns decide to trade him this summer. If he lands in Houston, he’ll be hoping for a better experience than his last two stops.
