PHOENIX: The Phoenix Suns have shopped 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant all across the NBA. General manager Brian Gregory is nearing the end of his first duty since promoted into the role of finding the franchise’s next head coach. The decision will likely happen within the next day or two, with the next order of business is finding a suitor for Durant.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix started by looking for a package that gives them some cap relief from the second apron, while staying competitive to please superstar Devin Booker. However, as the tides of the offseason continue to shift, the franchise has lowered their asking price according to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko.
Mar 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Suns lowering asking price for Durant:
Iko reported that the Suns are aggressive in trying to recoup their draft assets from the Houston Rockets, starting with the 10th overall in this month’s NBA draft. Houston own Phoenix’s pick from 2025, 2027 and 2029. Gregory could look to regain all those picks from the Rockets, with the retuning package of players being lackluster.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory speaks during his introductory news conference on May 6, 2025, in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Houston showed interest in Durant and Booker last season, when they initially traded for Phoenix’s pick from the Brooklyn Nets last offseason. The Suns weren’t interested in trading either back then, but after an embarrassing 36-46 season, the franchise is willing to depart with Durant in a potential deal.
The 36-year-old’s age and injury history doesn’t give Gregory and his staff much leverage in any eventual trade with Houston. However, Durant still averaged 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting and would give the Rockets some much needed experience in the postseason, after the team flared out in the first round in seven games as the 2nd seed.
Feb 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) hugs Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka after a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Many teams will be calling Gregory’s phone this offseason to throw their name in the Durant sweepstakes, but for now, it appears the Rockets have all the power in trade talks with the Suns.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
