The Rockets are considered to be among the favorites to trade for Kevin Durant, and they’re one of three teams on Durant’s list of preferred destinations that was leaked to the media last weekend. However, during an appearance Friday on The Athletic NBA Daily podcast, reporter Sam Amick revealed that the Rockets and Suns haven’t discussed a Durant deal in several days (hat tip to Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire).
“I was told yesterday (Thursday) that Houston hadn’t talked to Phoenix since last week, and that call didn’t go particularly well,” Amick said. “That could have changed by now, again that’s as of yesterday. They would love to have KD, but it’s on their price.”
Phoenix appears to be at a standoff with several teams while working to close a Durant deal before the first night of the draft on Wednesday. The Suns have reportedly been underwhelmed by offers from the Rockets, Spurs, Heat, Timberwolves, Raptors and others, believing they’re not getting enough in return for a player of Durant’s value.
A report earlier this week from Amick and Jon Krawczynski stated that Houston has made a “firm offer” for Durant. Although the details of that offer haven’t been revealed, it may be as high as general manager Rafael Stone is willing to go under the circumstances.
Even though Durant is still producing at an All-Star level, his age and contract situation are limiting what rival teams are willing to give up. He’ll turn 37 in September and is entering the final year of his current deal at $54.7MM. He’ll be eligible for a two-year extension with his new team, but has communicated that he’ll only consider signing long-term with Houston, San Antonio or Miami.
DuBose states that Stone would love to trade for Durant, but only if the deal serves the team’s short-term and long-term interests. He won’t mortgage the future for a player nearing the end of his career, so he’s hoping the Suns’ asking price will eventually go down.
On the Burns and Gambo Show (audio link), Suns insider John Gambadoro reported that Phoenix is unlikely to agree to a Durant deal with Houston unless Jabari Smith Jr. is included (hat tip to Evan Sidery of Forbes). Gambadoro also indicated that the Suns are willing to extend trade talks beyond the draft if they don’t get an offer they like.