The American News reveals the inside story of the Rockets Suns trading: Green wants to stay, but Shepard + Ethan + Smith is not a seller

June 23rd News Earlier, well-known sports journalist Kelly Iko revealed some inside information about the Suns' trade of Kevin Durant to the Rockets.

Kelly Iko mentioned in his latest report: "In the past few weeks, the Suns have repeatedly negotiated with multiple teams, and the Rockets, Spurs and Heat are considered Durant's preferred destination. The Suns also tried to find a three-party deal for a time, but they never made it. In the end, the Rockets let go and completed this major deal that could potentially change the fate of the team. Their goal is obviously clear: to become a strong contender for the championship immediately."

"In the long negotiation process with the Suns, the Rockets management led by general manager Raphael Stone has always insisted on not giving up Reed Shepard and Jabbarry Smith Jr. and young core members such as Tari Ethan. They also refused to add the first round picks for the Suns in 2027 and 2029 (originally given to the Nets when the Suns traded Durant, and the Rockets exchanged them from the Nets in 2024) to the deal, although the Suns were very eager to recycle these draft assets. "

" In the end, the two sides reached a consensus on the "No. 10th pick". The Rockets failed to invite high-potential rookies for trial training due to the rising possibility of trading, while the Suns hoped that the signing would bring immediate combat power. During this period, multiple three-party and four-party trading frameworks appeared, but they were not finally landed. "

At the same time, Sam Amick's well-known sports reporter mentioned: "Green himself strongly wants to stay in Houston, but according to sources, he gradually accepted the reality that he would be traded a few days before the deal was concluded, and finally learned that the deal was completed about an hour before the news broke on ESPN."

"At the same time, the Rockets believe that even if Green and Dillon lose two players who are crucial to the team's revival, introducing a Durant who has rich playoff experience and can also make room for Ethan, Shepard and Smith Jr. to play a greater role is the most in line with the logic of "immediate combat power"."