Video: Suns' Kevin Durant Says He Has 'Mad Respect' for Rockets' Roster Rebuild

Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin Durant had high praise for one of the most impressive young teams in the NBA.

While speaking to reporters following Wednesday's 119-111 loss to the Houston Rockets, Durant spoke glowingly about his opponents, who rank fourth in the Western Conference after improving to 34-20.

"I got mad respect for teams like this who were struggling for a few years, draft young, get a coach that holds them accountable and holds them to a standard and they start to take off," Durant told reporters. "I appreciate that, because we were a young team when I was coming into the league like that, and I know how hard it is to change your mentality from, 'S--t, we might go home in April every year' to 'Now we're in the playoffs.'"

Durant also cited his close relationships with head coach Ime Udoka, assistant coach Royal Ivey and veteran forward Jeff Green as a reason he enjoys following the growth of the Rockets.

Interestingly, the Rockets were "contemplating a pursuit" of Durant prior to last week's trade deadline, per The Athletic's Sam Amick, David Aldridge and Anthony Slater. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Wednesday's episode of Get Up that Durant is "probably going to get traded this summer."

Perhaps Houston could emerge as Durant's next landing spot if he parts ways with Phoenix this offseason. He could be the veteran star the Rockets need to put them over the top as a true title contender in the West.