Rockets' Young Star Emerges as Potential Key Piece in Kevin Durant Trade
Rockets' Young Star Emerges as Potential Key Piece in Kevin Durant Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The headline entering the NBA offseason continues to surround the potential trade destination for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.
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Phoenix is expected to move on from Durant this summer after they put together another disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
Due to this, it is clear that the Suns are going to try and rebuild their roster around Devin Booker as they try to acquire the largest trade package possible in return for Durant.
Mar 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center.© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
With Durant on the move, there have been many teams linked to the future Hall of Fame forward but three teams have stood above the rest.
Those teams are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat as they have been named Durant's preferred landing spots according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
While all three teams have reportedly been in contact with Phoenix, the Suns have yet to receive an offer that fits their asking price for Durant and a report that came out on Friday suggests that one of the Rockets key young players may have to be included.
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According to Forbes' Evan Sidery, Cam Whitmore is a player to watch as an addition to a trade package between the Rockets and Suns for Durant.
Sidery also mentioned that Houston has been unwilling to include Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. in trade talks and because of this, Whitmore could end up being a key addition to help the Rockets land Durant.
Of course, Whitmore has not seen a ton of playing time over his first two seasons in the NBA with Houston but that would likely change if he was included in a trade to the Suns.
Cam Whitmore, Houston RocketsUSA Today Sports
Whitmore would be a great addition to Phoenix's roster, especially with their lack of forward depth after a potential Durant trade.
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Despite this, the Rockets have not signaled any intention of moving on from Whitmore this offseason but if they want Durant, they may have to include the 20-year-old forward in trade talks.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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