The only trade the Rockets should consider to get Kevin Durant

I've seen Kevin Durant photoshopped into so many Houston Rockets jerseys that it's easy to forget that he isn't on the team.

As of this writing, Durant is still on the Suns. Still, his departure feels like a foregone conclusion. After a disastrous 2024-25 season, there's too much smoke around those rumors to dismiss the inevitable fire.

Fans have been connecting the dots to put Durant on the Rockets. They own the Suns' first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029. Those picks hold unique value for the Suns. Meanwhile, the Rockets struggled with half-court creation this year, and Durant is one of the best half-court scorers in NBA history.

That doesn't mean the Rockets should overpay for him. Durant is soon-to-be 37. Houston shouldn't mortage too much of their future for him.

They should only offer the Suns a limited amount.

Rockets can spare this much for Durant

Luckily, the Suns are allegedly lowering their asking price. It seems that they want that 10th pick back above all else. If the rumors are true, here's what the Rockets' offer should look like.

Let's work backwards. It will be sad to see Brooks go. He's revitalized the Rockets' culture with his rugged, competitive disposition. That said, Durant would effectively be taking his place in the team's rotation. The Rockets can spare him if they're landing Durant.

Meanwhile, giving the Suns their pick back in 2027 stings, but you have to give to get. This deal allows Houston to retain their more valuable 2029 pick which affords them the two most valuable picks of the Mavericks and the Suns.

That's not the component of the deal that fans will focus on. Could the Rockets really punt on Green to add an aging superstar?

Rockets can justify moving on from Green

Let's have (another) frank discussion about Jalen Green.

His fourth year was the best of his career. Green posted a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 0.5. It was the first (barely) positive mark of his career.

...Hang the banner?

Jokes aside, there were encouraging developments for Green this year. He still has potential. He may make an All-Star appearance or two throughout his career.

It should be obvious to any objective fan that he's not a cornerstone player.

That's not to say flipping him for Durant is an obvious choice. Durant is old. It's easy to make the case that if the Rockets are moving any of their "core 7", they ought to bring in someone who can grow with them.

Here's the counterargument - this is a low price for Kevin Durant. With leaguewide parity, the Rockets could be bonafide title contenders with Durant on the roster in 2025-26. If he's available at this cost, the Rockets have to consider it.

Fans might love to finally see him in their jersey for real.