Kevin Durant Trade Reportedly Not Ruled Out by Rockets amid Rumors of Timeline Concern
As they map out their next move following a first-round playoff exit, the Houston Rockets could pursue a win-now trade for the Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
In the newest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast, MacMahon pointed to his earlier reporting on the Rockets' desire to land a star who more closely matches the age of their young roster.
On the podcast, MacMahon said the "Kevin Durant timeline thing" is a consideration for the front office.
"That does not mean that they are completely out on the possibility of KD," the insider said.
The Rockets and any other suitor have to look no further than Phoenix to see that having Durant on your roster guarantees little in the postseason. The Suns lost in the Western Conference semifinals in 2023, got bounced in the first round in 2024 and then failed to even qualify for the Play-In Tournament this year.
Durant's contract only complicates the situation. He's eligible for free agency a year from now, so an extension will presumably accompany any trade.
The Rockets' future is still bright despite falling to the Golden State Warriors 103-89 on Sunday night.
Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason are all 23 or younger. Houston has the salary-cap flexibility and draft capital to bring in significant reinforcements in the years ahead. Ime Udoka's .585 winning percentage as a head coach speaks for itself.
But general manager Rafael Stone will know that making the wrong move can be disastrous, and that careful approach is reflected in the Rockets' stance on Durant.
