NBA Insider Reveals Why the Rockets Are ‘Lukewarm’ About Trading For Suns Superstar Kevin Durant Despite Rumors

Appearing on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” podcast, NBA insider Sam Amick shared a handful of details behind the rumored trade between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns for superstar Kevin Durant, as both teams look to contend for championships in the coming years.

At 36 years old, Durant is still one of the NBA’s top scorers, averaging 26.6 points and 6.0 rebounds last season for the Suns. Houston suffered an early playoff exit to the Golden State Warriors and the Suns, who missed the playoffs entirely, are looking to move Durant as he only has one year left on his contract.

‘Not in Love’ NBA Insider Reveals Why the Rockets Are ‘Lukewarm’ About Trading for Kevin Durant Despite Rumors
Amick joined FanDuel’s “Run It Back” podcast and shared insights on the rumored deal between the Rockets and Suns for Durant, including a detail that could stall trade talks.

“I know the Rockets are a little like San Antonio where they were pretty lukewarm, not on Kevin as a talent or as a person or any of that. But not in love with the timeline because of his age and really not looking to give up too much of that young core to get him.” @sam_amick https://t.co/IQt60jVQwH pic.twitter.com/n6wVRFmmnI

— Dru (@dru_star) June 19, 2025

“I know the Rockets are a little like San Antonio, where they were pretty lukewarm, not on Kevin as a talent or as a person, but not in love with the timeline because of his age and really not looking to give up much of that young core to get him,” Amick said.

The Rockets are one of the youngest teams in the league, with core players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson all in their early 20s. Houston is focused on building a long-term contender under head coach Ime Udoka.

Reportedly, Green, who led the Rockets in scoring and minutes played last season, was part of trade talks involving Durant.

“I think Jalen Green would be part of that deal (for KD). When the Rockets were looking at something with Giannis potentially… Sengun would’ve been heading out,” Amick said during the podcast.

. @sam_amick explains why a Kevin Durant trade hasn’t happened ⏳

“I think Jalen Green would be part of that deal (for KD). When the Rockets were looking at something with Giannis potentially…Sengun would’ve been heading out.”@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/3tpaSNSWZr

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 19, 2025

With a rumored deal between the Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks also gaining steam, some believe Houston is one star away from real title contention, with Giannis Antetokounmpo as that missing piece.

Durant turns 37 before the start of next season. In contrast, Antetokounmpo will turn 31 before midseason, which makes him a more attractive long-term option for a young team like Houston.

Following Udoka’s long-term extension, which reportedly makes him one of the NBA’s highest-paid coaches, the Rockets have most of their core under contract and are not in a rush to make a move unless it immediately makes them title contenders.