The Phoenix Suns are reportedly making a strong push to trade future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant — and are now lowering the asking price to make a deal happen.
According to NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Phoenix has aggressively pursued trade talks centered around Durant since the end of the 2024–25 season. Their top priority appears to be regaining control of their draft capital, starting with the No. 10 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft, which is currently held by 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 reported. “Since the conclusion of the season, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant, those sources said.”
The 36-year-old Durant, who is coming off another injury-plagued campaign, still remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. However, concerns about his age, durability, and long-term fit with younger rosters have reportedly made teams hesitant to part with core pieces in a potential deal.
Houston, who controls several future picks (including some originally belonging to the Suns from the Chris Paul trade), has shown some level of interest. But according to Iko, internal concerns remain about the cost of breaking up their developing roster for a veteran star with injury history.
“There is a price where the Rockets would be interested,” Iko noted, “but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing.”
The Suns acquired Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, hoping he would be the final piece of a championship puzzle alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. But after subpar seasons and chemistry questions plaguing the trio, Phoenix appears ready to pivot.
If Phoenix does move Durant, it would mark the second consecutive offseason where a superstar has been traded away in the Western Conference — following last year’s Damian Lillard saga. Meanwhile, Houston continues to evaluate whether to accelerate their timeline or maintain their current youth-first trajectory under head coach Ime Udoka.
As it stands, the Durant sweepstakes are officially open — but the market remains cautious.
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