Jake Fischer: Rockets might be Kevin Durant's top trade preference
'They might be the (trade) spot that Kevin Durant wants the most, when all is said and done,' veteran NBA insider Jake Fischer says of the Rockets.
Since last Saturday, it's been widely reported that the three preferred trade destinations for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant are the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs.
Because the All-Star forward's current contract expires after next season, his choice to sign (or not sign) an extension carries significant weight in these talks, since many teams won't risk surrendering significant asset capital if they might lose him as an unrestricted free agent a year later.
But among those three teams, is there one in particular that Durant and his agency representation might push even harder for? Earlier this week, The Athletic's Sam Amick said it could be San Antonio, citing something the Timberwolves were allegedly told during their negotiations with the Suns (Minnesota is seemingly reluctant to bid aggressively unless Durant wants to be there).
But Friday, in a Bleacher Report video, veteran NBA insider Jake Fischer (now of The Stein Line) indicated that it could be Houston that Durant desires most.
'They might be the spot that Kevin Durant wants the most, when all is said and done,' Fischer said as part of a 2025 mock draft. Should a Durant deal with the Rockets reach the finish line, Houston's No. 10 overall pick in Wednesday's first round could potentially be part of the trade.
A Durant deal is reportedly possible at any time, with the upcoming draft a key date in the talks. Should Phoenix acquire a 2025 draft asset as part of the trade, finalizing a deal prior to the draft would allow the Suns to make such a selection for themselves, as opposed to having a player chosen for them by another team.
But as great as Durant is as a player, he turns 37 years old in September. Thus, Houston is reluctant to dip too deeply into its warchest of assets. That's led to an ongoing standoff in recent days, and the Rockets' hope is that perhaps Durant's leverage will ultimately win the day and force a deal on their terms.
Durant has had a longstanding relationship with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Royal Ivey, which might work to Houston's advantage in these closing stages of trade negotiations. Stay tuned!
More: Arizona Republic: Rockets 'ideal trade destination' for Kevin Durant
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