Who wouldn’t want Kevin Durant on their team?
Well, the Houston Rockets don’t.
While Durant is reportedly “very interested” in playing in Houston, the Rockets have their doubts about acquiring the Phoenix Suns star — mostly due to his age, according to The Athletic.
The 36-year-old has remained mostly healthy in recent years — now six seasons removed from his ruptured Achilles in his final game as a Warrior — but he wouldn’t quite match Houston’s timeline, as the majority of the Rockets core pieces are 24 or younger.
The Rockets are at a crossroads this offseason after their loaded young core led them to the No. 2 seed in the West before they ultimately fell in seven games to the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
As a competitive young team in the NBA, do you take a swing with a few of your several assets and land a proven star to try to better contend championship?
Or do you build from within and give the young guys more time to develop?
It’s a common conundrum across the NBA. But with the sheer number of assets the Rockets have, perhaps no team will have more pondering to do on this dilemma.
Houston is in a unique position where it could give up a sizable trade package, while also keeping a good wealth of current talent.
It seems as though Amen Thompson is off limits but Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith and Reed Sheppard are all young pieces that, paired with the Rockets’ load of draft picks, could land a superstar.
Houston notably owns Phoenix’s first-round pick, which landed at No. 10 in Monday’s draft lottery, and the Suns’ 2027 first-rounder too.
In an offseason where Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson and Devin Booker also seem to be available in trade talks, Durant would be the most attainable option for any team given his age and his expiring contract.
Durant is entering the final season of his deal where he will make nearly $55 million.
The Rockets previously had interest in the 28-year-old Booker, but reportedly still have faith in the younger and cheaper Green as their shooting guard of the future.
With waning interest in the two Suns stars, and doubt on Williamson’s health and availability, all eyes may be on Antetokounmpo this offseason for Houston.
