PHOENIX – The Suns are trying to regain control of their future by aggressively shopping Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. They are following the path of the Brooklyn Nets, who rebuilt their future, ironically, trading the Rockets first rounders. Phoenix are trying to regain the exact same picks. But the Rockets don’t want to break up their core for Durant. He’s a 36-year-old veteran coming off an injury-riddled season. Teams question his durability. That concern has pushed Durant’s price down in recent talks between the Suns and Rockets. There have been multiple rounds of negotiations since the end of the regular season.
Suns Set Special Price For Kevin Durant, A Position For Others
Suns Lower Asking Price for Durant
Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports that Phoenix has reduced its trade demands for Durant. This drop in value is significant. Other reports say Phoenix now wants a center in return for Durant.
The Phoenix Suns have reportedly lowered their asking price for Kevin Durant, per @KellyIko
“Phoenix is aggressive in pursuit of a) trading Kevin Durant and b) regaining full control of their draft capital starting with the No. 10 pick in next month’s draft, team sources said.… pic.twitter.com/JJNu6oxKS3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 3, 2025
According to @HPbasketball, “The Suns have indicated to teams that center is at a premium for them in any KD talks.”
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly prioritizing acquiring a center in Kevin Durant trade talks, per @HPbasketball
“The Suns have indicated to teams that center is at a premium for them in any KD talks. He might stick around, but their biggest interest is in solving the center… pic.twitter.com/yGEPvjoJIZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 3, 2025
Their need for a center makes sense. Since moving on from Deandre Ayton, the position has been a disaster for Phoenix.
Center Request Complicates Negotiations
The center priority complicates trade options. The Suns want to shed salary and gain picks. They’re aiming to tank and rebuild around Devin Booker. It doesn’t make sense to keep Durant while being a second-apron team.
Curiously, the center request may apply to other teams as well—not just Houston. No team seems to satisfy both reports coming out of the Rockets.
Phoenix wants either draft picks and some salary fillers from Houston, or a center from another interested team.
Rockets Unwilling to Trade Sengun
The Rockets won’t deal Alperen Sengun for Durant. He became an All-Star this season and remains a key part of their future.
Even a package including Sengun and the coveted Suns picks may be too steep. According to trade reports, Houston finds that price unreasonable.
Still, the price the Suns have set for Durant hinges on those valuable assets. The Rockets control the 10th pick in this year’s draft, Phoenix’s unprotected 2027 pick, and hold favorable swap rights in 2029.
Timberwolves Might Be a Better Match
Phoenix’s interest in a center gives Minnesota a better shot at acquiring Durant. The Timberwolves have two starting-caliber centers in their rotation.
If they’re willing to part with one, maybe they could mount an offer that meets Phoenix’s demands. But it will have to involve other teams as the Timberwolves are a second apron team.
The Suns’ trade plan is becoming clearer. They want their picks back. If not, they want a center. The Suns reducing their price for Durant reflects changing priorities and theifneed to rebuild around Booker.
© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The post Suns Set Special Price For Kevin Durant, A Position For Others appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.