Exclusive: Rockets refuse to be the sucker! The Suns are being treated coldly when selling Durant, and executives say "Unless Booker, no talks

On May 12, Houston Rockets reporter Ben Dubose analyzed the potential trading prospects between the team and the Phoenix Suns in a podcast program. Despite recent rumors linking the Rockets with Suns star Kevin Durant, Dubos made it clear that the possibility of a deal between the two sides was slim.

The transaction value is difficult to match

Dubos said: "On the surface, the Suns and the Rockets seem to have a natural negotiation base. The Rockets have rich draft pick assets, and the Suns are facing pressure to adjust the lineup. However, the reality is much more complicated. " He further explained that the Suns' asking price for Durant must include young players, high picks and salary matching plans, and Durant's contract of up to $50 million next season will force the Rockets to send out core rotation players. "In view of Durant's approaching 37 years old, the Rockets' management is extremely cautious about overdrawing future assets. "

Although the Rockets are expected to conduct due diligence on Durant as usual, the team is confident in the existing young roster with Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün as the core. Dubos stressed: "Unless the Suns significantly reduce the asking price, the Rockets will never participate in the bidding war. "

Booker: A more attractive long-term goal

It is worth noting that the Rockets have a long-standing interest in the other Suns star, Devin Booker. As early as when he won the Suns Future Draft Choice through Chris Paul's trade, the Rockets were exposed to regard Booker as an ideal signing target. In early 2025, Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix quoted league executives as saying: "Unless Booker is involved, the Rockets will not negotiate seriously with the Suns at all. "

Judging from the data, the 28-year-old Booker averaged 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game this season, and his 89.4% free throw percentage hit a career high. In contrast, although Durant, 36, remains efficient (average 26.6 points and 6.0 rebounds, and 43% from three-point shooting), the age factor obviously increases trading risks.

Strategic choices for management

Another Rockets reporter, Kelly Iko, had previously disclosed that the team will evaluate several stars including Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Zion Williamson in the offseason. But sources revealed that the Rockets' signing strategy will strictly revolve around long-term competitiveness rather than short-term gambling.

Sun owner Mat Ishbia has repeatedly publicly emphasized Booker as "not selling products", which further increases the difficulty of trading. In this regard, Dubos concluded: "The Rockets have enough capital to become a key player in the trading market, but the management obviously tends to maintain strategic patience. "

As the offseason approaches, whether the Rockets will convert draft picks into superstar combat power, or continue to cultivate existing lineups will become the focus of the industry's continued attention.