The Phoenix Suns are looking to leave last season’s disaster behind them this offseason. They got off to a good start, as they hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to be their new head coach.
Now, the Suns’ next order of business is finding a new home for All-Star forward Kevin Durant. After attempting to trade Durant at the trade deadline in February, Phoenix is now working with him to find a new team.
Many teams have been rumored to be interested in the former MVP, but one team stands out as not only the best fit for Durant but also one that can give the Suns the best package.
The Houston Rockets can offer the Suns the best Kevin Durant trade
The Rockets essentially control the Suns’ entire future thanks to the massive Durant trade that got him out of Brooklyn. That includes the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft. In a deep class, Phoenix could land an impactful young talent as they look to retool around Devin Booker.
In addition to draft capital, Houston has a great crop of young players that could entice Phoenix. The Suns are in desperate need of young talent, and while they aren’t interested in Jalen Green, the Rockets have players like Jabari Smith, Cam Whitmore, and Reed Sheppard that they could offer. Even veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks could be pieces the Suns are interested in.
The Rockets and Suns would be perfect trade partners for each other
The Rockets are in desperate need of a go-to scorer and what better way to fix their weakness than adding Durant, who is coming off a year where he averaged 27 points per game on 53 percent shooting and 43 percent from three.
Adding him to the fold with Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, who are both coming off career years, would have Houston soaring towards contention in the West. The Suns meanwhile need assets in the worst possible way. Adding young players that can grow next to Booker and veterans that can help them win-now is the best course of action.
The Suns have reportedly lowered Durant’s trade price, causing more teams to be interested. Even so, the Rockets can offer a package centered around two of Smith, Brooks, Sheppard, Whitmore, and VanVleet, in addition to the tenth pick. With draft night now two weeks away, expect movement on Durant’s market soon, and expect Houston to try and pounce.