A shocking 22 total NBA teams were named when the topic of Kevin Durant’s trade value was dissected. Michael Pena of The Ringer wrote an article recapping the current drama going on with the Houston Rockets after Durant missed his third game of the first round series. The Rockets are likely getting eliminated in the first round, unless they can make history as the first NBA team to ever come back from an 0-3 deficit.
Pena said the following teams are all interested in making a move for Durant at the right price:
“The Rockets thought that KD was their missing piece, and instead, there’s a chance they’ll turn him into a stepping stone this summer. It turns out that your best player shouldn’t also be a mercenary.
But despite that, the Heat, Timberwolves, Blazers, Mavericks, Pistons, Knicks, Raptors, Hawks, Magic, Lakers, Nuggets, Hornets, Bulls, Wizards, Warriors, Pacers, Jazz, Sixers, Celtics, Cavaliers, Bucks, and Clippers would all have varying degrees of interest—pending how the rest of these playoffs go. “
All teams were named by Pena to show just how deep the market is. Durant is still a great enough player to fit into any team’s offense and become a major contributor. Houston got another All-Star season and an expected All-NBA selection from Durant’s first year with the franchise.
Argument For Houston Trading Kevin Durant
Houston is going to have a terrible ending to their season if they don’t get out of the first round. Chemistry seemed like a big issue as the season went on with Durant leading a roster of talented young players to inconsistent results.
Durant also had the infamous burner story leaked of him allegedly trashing his teammates under an anonymous account. Both Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith were named in insulting fashion to create drama there that made the chemistry issues more glaring.
Amen Thompson revealed the players have no idea what’s going on with Durant and when he is expected to return from his injury. Things not working out as planned and locker room issues growing worse may be enough to trade Durant. The drastic number of teams showing interest means Houston could get some strong talents who fit in better.
Argument For Houston Keeping Kevin Durant
Another interesting route for the Rockets would see them keeping Durant and trading some of the younger rising stars for proven talent to compete next season. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a rumored name due to Houston having many great prospects they can tempt the Milwaukee Bucks with.
Other big names, like Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell, could also be on the trade block for the Rockets to go “big fish” hunting again. Trading for another superstar would give them two superstars and keep enough of their young talents for overall depth.
However, the Rockets would also be banking on Durant leading them to an NBA Championship. Durant has had high-profile failures one season after another since leaving the Golden State Warriors. Houston trusting Durant to help them win a title over the next two or three seasons is a dangerous risk to losing rising stars in their early 20s.
Rockets Have 22 Total Interested Teams For Kevin Durant Trade