Rockets Reportedly 'Unwilling' to Trade Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun for Kevin Durant

The Houston Rockets are reportedly among the preferred trade destinations for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, but it sounds like they have no plans of giving up two of their top young stars to acquire him.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Rockets "have been unwilling" to give up swingman Amen Thompson in a trade for Durant, and they "would also not want to part with" center Alperen Sengun.

Both Thompson and Sengun established themselves as franchise cornerstones and played key roles in the Rockets' second-place finish in the Western Conference at 52-30, so it makes sense that Houston would prefer to hold onto them rather than trading them for an aging superstar like Durant.

Sengun played 76 games and averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals on his way to earning his first career All-Star selection. He was the first Rockets player to be selected to the All-Star Game since James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the 2019-20 season.

In his second season in the NBA after being drafted No. 4 overall, Thompson showed the makings of a two-way star as he earned a spot on the All-Defensive first team. The 22-year-old played 69 games with 42 starts and averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks. He's expected to be in line for a bigger role next season as a likely full-time starter.

Scotto noted that the Rockets could "include guard Jalen Green and his $33.33 million salary for the 2025-26 season" as part of a deal for Durant. Green was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft but hasn't developed into the star he was expected to become, and his inconsistency has made him more expendable than Thompson or Sengun.

Houston could become a title contender by adding Durant, but it's clear that the franchise isn't willing to sacrifice its future by giving up members of its young core who are still on the ascent.