The NBA is heating up, just as it should. The playoffs are almost here, and both conferences are fighting for every inch. But the real chaos? It’s out West. Sunday night, the Phoenix Suns stumbled again, this time against the Lakers. Another loss. Another dent in their postseason hopes. Kevin Durant and his squad now sit at 11th, dangerously close to disaster. And the whispers? They’re growing louder. Some say the 36-year-old star isn’t happy. Maybe frustration. Maybe regret. Either way, something isn’t right in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, ESPN analysts Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon, and Tim Bontemps had a detailed discussion on the Houston Rockets. Now you may wonder, why this conversation jumped from the Suns to the Rockets. Well, if you remember, during the Feb trade deadline scenes, there had been rumors that Houston could pitch for Kevin Durant.
Could the Houston Rockets provide a relief to Kevin Durant’s Suns stint?
With Phoenix in chaos and KD’s frustration growing the Rockets’ ambitions don’t seem so wild. A change of scenery? It’s not impossible. Especially with Ime Udoka’s $105 million star, Jalen Green, in the mix. As Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective Podcast, “For the Rockets, you really still gotta look at them with a big-picture view.” Their young core is gaining playoff experience, and that’s huge. “It’s a phenomenal chance to evaluate those young guys.” Maybe Houston isn’t just thinking about the future. Maybe they’re setting the stage for something bigger.
The NBA insider spent a week in Houston, digging deep. The big question? Is the Rockets’ future superstar already in the building? As he put it, “Is that number one guy—the kind of guy you need to contend for a championship—on the roster?” From Ime Udoka to ownership, the hope is clear. “I can tell you that from Ime Udoka up to ownership, the hope is that the guy is on the roster.” But hope isn’t enough. Time will tell if the Houston Rockets truly have their cornerstone.
The Rockets aren’t just sitting back. As Tim MacMahon hinted, “They’re gonna package stuff this summer and go after somebody.” Maybe Kevin Durant. Maybe someone else. “I’m not saying they’ll for sure do it, but they’ll at least have internal discussions.” The real question? How aggressive will they be for a veteran like KD? First, they need answers. “They need to evaluate their guys first. That’ll tell you a lot,” MacMahon added. Right now, they believe in four or five young stars. And Jalen Green? The $105 million guard might be at the top of that list.
Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brian Windhorst further adds that the Rockets handed Green an oddly large contract last summer as a “reward” for being a great hooper last year. However, the front office may have a dilemma about Jalen Green being a superstar material or not. This is where Kevin Durant walks in. This is where Green’s trade (that is, if any) could make way for KD. At the same time, MacMahon adds a “blasphemous” take by comparing Durant’s teammate Devin Booker and Green! But, that’s beside the point.
The core of the conversation was simply how Jalen Green who doesn’t miss a game for the Houston Rockets could hand Kevin Durant a relief from the Phoenix Suns. Moreover, KD’s contract with Mat Ishbia and Co. runs through the 2025-26 season. However, rumors also suggest the Suns are looking to rent KD and ask him to sign a 2-year, $122 million extension soon. But then, the veteran hooper is also kind of giving up on the team. And well, the latest clips from the game vs. the Lakers truly narrate a concerning tale.
Kevin Durant is done with the Phoenix Suns
Durant played for 37 minutes and scored 21 points at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. While the Lakers overpowered the Suns with all their might, KD and Co. struggled to breathe throughout the game. However, what caught the eye was the Slim Reaper’s movement on the court. Did he look unmotivated to take shots? Maybe, yes. That three-pointer from the line that didn’t make it to the basket seemed most unlikely of Kevin Durant.
Therefore, the fans are now worried that the 36-year-old 2x champ might be giving up on the franchise. Simply put, Kevin Durant is done with the Phoenix Suns. Back in February, he had mentioned he didn’t want to reunite with the Warriors. At the same time, he mentioned that he didn’t want to be traded mid-season. However, the heat in the locker room, the odd tension that had developed between Coach Mike and Booker, and the repeated debacles in every second game seem to have taken a toll on KD’s motivation to play for the Suns.
Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix is reaching a breaking point. The Suns are sinking, and his frustration is showing. Meanwhile, the Rockets are watching closely, ready to make a move. With Jalen Green’s future uncertain and Houston seeking a superstar, the pieces could align. Meanwhile, KD’s next chapter? It might not be in the desert. However, watch out as the drama keeps unfolding!
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