The Phoenix Suns might have curiosity in buying and selling away Kevin Durant this offseason, which may very well be behind the Houston Rockets’ acquisition of future first spherical picks through the Brooklyn Nets that originated from the Suns. Durant was acquired by the Suns on the 2023 commerce deadline and so they have had a pair of disappointing playoff runs over the previous two seasons.
“I’m reporting: pay no consideration to what Phoenix is saying, they need out of Kevin Durant proper now,” mentioned Stephen A. Smith on First Tackle Wednesday. “That is primary.”
“Why would the Rockets do the deal, Molly? Why do it now?” mentioned Brian Windhorst.
“Additionally, Houston would not need Kevin Durant,” added Smith. “Ime Udoka might want him, however organizationally, they know they don’t seem to be there but. Their plans are extra lengthy vary and they might favor a Devin Booker, who they know there is a slim probability they’re going to get.”
Udoka was an assistant coach with the Nets overlapping with Durant. When Durant requested a commerce from the Nets in the course of the 2022 offseason, there was curiosity from him in going to the Boston Celtics when Udoka was nonetheless their head coach.
“Stephen A. is saying that,” mentioned Windhorst. “I’ve no purpose to not imagine him. I am going to imagine him. Devin Booker is absolutely dedicated to the Phoenix Suns. That is the place he desires to be. And he is absolutely dedicated to Kevin Durant by the way in which. They’re trying ahead to enjoying with one another beginning subsequent week once they get collectively for Crew USA. They’re trying ahead to enjoying their summer season collectively. So from what I am instructed, there isn’t any concern between KD and Booker. There is no concern between the Suns and Booker. Booker has moved his total life to Phoenix. He is invested there. That is the place he desires to be. However the Rockets did this deal for a purpose.”
Smith elaborated on the Suns’ curiosity in buying and selling Durant as a response to the restrictions of their roster and including depth to their group whereas he maintains his commerce worth.Â
