With each passing day, the Phoenix Suns’ plans to trade away Kevin Durant seem inevitable. After joining the Suns in 2023, Durant was expected to help Phoenix win an NBA championship, which they came close to achieving by making the Finals in 2021.
However, Durant’s time with the Suns can be defined as a colossal failure. After losing to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in his first year with the Suns, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated Durant and his squad the following season. Moreover, in terms of championship contention, the team looks further away than before after failing to qualify for the playoffs this season.
Since the organization is well into the luxury tax due to the massive contracts on its payroll, its inability to make it to the postseason has the basketball community believing that it is only a matter of time before the Suns find a trade for Durant. However, recent reports reveal that things will not be as easy as the organization might hope.
The Houston Rockets Convince the Suns To Reduce Asking Price for Kevin Durant
Durant is 36 years old and approaching the final stages of his career. He has dealt with several significant injuries. Although those injuries have not greatly impacted his abilities and stats, the fact that his presence has not led to important wins in the playoffs has drawn a fair amount of attention.
According to Kelly Iko from The Athletic, the Suns are well aware of their current position. While they are eager to get as much value back for Durant as possible, the team is willing to lower its asking price for the two-time NBA champion during trade discussions with the Houston Rockets.
“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,” Iko said in the article. “Since the season’s conclusion, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant…There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing.”
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
The Rockets had an awe-inspiring regular season and finished with the second-best record in the West. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Many fans believed that if the team had more experience and offensive talent, the outcome of that series would have been very different.
Since Durant brings experience and scoring to any team that decides to make a trade for him, the Rockets believe he can help them win and have been looking to acquire him. However, his age and injury history have forced the Suns to lower their asking price.
Suppose the Rockets can create a trade package with their supporting cast, while still holding onto key players from their roster, such as Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson. The team might agree to follow through on this potential trade in that case. Perhaps a package involving Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and others could be enough to entice the Suns.
The Suns’ lowering their asking price for Durant will also encourage other teams to make an offer for him. The Timberwolves are another team involved in these trade rumors and might look to acquire Durant, especially if they can retain their young core.
Fans are left wondering how low the Suns are willing to go in their attempts to trade Durant and which team will end up trading for him before next season.
