The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly among the teams interested in Kevin Durant if the Houston Rockets trade the 16-time All-Star this offseason.
Per The Ringer’s Michael Pina, the Rockets — on the verge of losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Lakers — have made it clear to rival executives that “nothing is off the table” this summer and that they could completely reshape their roster.
The report noted that Durant, who has two years and $90M left on his contract, could serve as a “stepping stone” for the Rockets to begin a total reset.
“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,” Pina wrote.
“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.”
Kevin Durant Still an All-NBA Player
Durant, who turns 38 in September, is still playing at a very high level. This season, he appeared in 78 games for the Rockets — his most in a regular season since 2018-19 — and averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 51/42/87 shooting splits. The two-time NBA champion is widely expected to make an All-NBA Team after missing out on the honor last year because of the 65-game eligibility criteria.
Although Durant suffered an untimely injury before the playoffs, he’s still regarded as arguably a top-10 or top-15 player. As such, it’s not necessarily surprising that a host of teams would be interested in his services.
Lakers Trade Target: Kevin Durant?
Pina, though, does not expect the Rockets to fetch a large haul for Durant, whom they landed from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft (Khaman Maluach) and five second-round picks.
“It’s hard to picture the Rockets trading Durant for a facsimile of the package they gave up to get him,” wrote the insider. “Instead, I think they’ll keep KD and pivot skyward with an even bigger blockbuster move.”
Could the Purple & Gold franchise realistically pursue Durant?
The Lakers are projected to have over $50M in cap space this offseason, and that’s even after factoring in free agent Austin Reaves‘ $20.9M cap hold.
The Rob Pelinka-led front office will reportedly use its precious cap space to pursue 3-and-D wings like Peyton Watson, Andrew Wiggins, Tari Eason, Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade. Some insiders have also earmarked frontcourt players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson or even Jarrett Allen as Lakers targets.
The Lakers will also have up to three tradeable first-round picks they can use in a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo or any other blockbuster move.
Lakers Have ‘Interest’ in Potential Kevin Durant Trade: Report