Who wouldn’t need Kevin Durant on their staff?
Properly, the Houston Rockets don’t.
Whereas Durant is reportedly “very interested” in taking part in in Houston, the Rockets have their doubts about buying the Phoenix Suns star — largely resulting from his age, in line with The Athletic.
The 36-year-old has remained largely wholesome in recent times — now six seasons faraway from his ruptured Achilles in his ultimate recreation as a Warrior — however he wouldn’t fairly match Houston’s timeline, as nearly all of the Rockets core items are 24 or youthful.
The Rockets are at a crossroads this offseason after their loaded younger core led them to the No. 2 seed within the West earlier than they in the end fell in seven video games to the Warriors within the first spherical of the playoffs.
As a aggressive younger staff within the NBA, do you are taking a swing with just a few of your a number of property and land a confirmed star to attempt to higher contend championship?
Or do you construct from inside and provides the younger guys extra time to develop?
It’s a standard conundrum throughout the NBA. However with the sheer variety of property the Rockets have, maybe no staff may have extra pondering to do on this dilemma.
Houston is in a singular place the place it might hand over a large commerce bundle, whereas additionally retaining a great wealth of present expertise.
It appears as if Amen Thompson is off limits however Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith and Reed Sheppard are all younger items that, paired with the Rockets’ load of draft picks, might land a famous person.
Houston notably owns Phoenix’s first-round choose, which landed at No. 10 in Monday’s draft lottery, and the Suns’ 2027 first-rounder too.
In an offseason the place Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson and Devin Booker additionally appear to be accessible in commerce talks, Durant could be essentially the most attainable choice for any staff given his age and his expiring contract.
Durant is coming into the ultimate season of his deal the place he’ll make practically $55 million.
The Rockets beforehand had curiosity within the 28-year-old Booker, however reportedly nonetheless place confidence in the youthful and cheaper Inexperienced as their capturing guard of the longer term.
With waning curiosity within the two Suns stars, and doubt on Williamson’s well being and availability, all eyes could also be on Antetokounmpo this offseason for Houston.
