The Rockets aren’t blowing things up, but they’re not exactly riding or dying with this roster either. Kelly Iko reported that Houston isn’t actively shopping Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, or anyone else. But they’re more willing to pick up the phone than they used to be. The one exception is Amen Thompson, who seems to be the only guy they truly won’t budge on.
That doesn’t mean Durant is walking out the door. It just means if the right offer lands, they’re not slamming it shut. And honestly, after the way things ended, that’s hard to argue with. They won 52 games, but the first-round exit stung, especially since Durant only played one playoff game because of knee and ankle issues.
During the regular season, though, Durant was still Durant. 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, shooting 52% from the field and 41% from three. At 37, the guy is still ridiculous. But that’s kind of the whole issue. He’s 37, and Thompson, Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason are all part of something that’s built around youth.
That puts the Rockets in an awkward spot. They can run it back with Durant and hope the body holds up, or they can cash in on his value now before the market shrinks. If Thompson is the only one they won’t touch, then Durant has to at least be in the conversation.
These are three blockbuster trade scenarios that would make sense if the Rockets decide to move him.
1. The Rockets Turn Durant Into A Younger Star In Brown
Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2031 first-round pick, 2033 first-round pick
This is the loudest trade because it connects two strange situations. The Rockets may listen on Kevin Durant, and the Celtics just put Jaylen Brown in the Giannis Antetokounmpo talks. That doesn’t mean Brown is gone, but the relationship is not as simple now.
For the Rockets, Brown is the younger star replacement. Durant averaged 26.0 points while shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three. He was still elite, but he is 37 and played only one playoff game. Brown is 29, just averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, and gives the Rockets another two-way wing next to Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.
The salary works because Durant is at $43.9 million and Finney-Smith is at $13.3 million in 2026-27. That gets the Celtics to $57.2 million coming in, almost the same as Brown’s $57.1 million salary. Finney-Smith is not just filler either. He gives the Celtics a 3-and-D forward who can guard wings and space around Jayson Tatum.
For the Celtics, the two first-round picks are important. Durant is still better than almost everyone in a single playoff series, but Brown is younger and under contract longer. The picks help cover the age gap. A Tatum-Durant front line would be scary in the half-court, and the Celtics could still compete right away.
For the Rockets, this is cleaner long term. Brown, Thompson, Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard is a real core. It keeps the Rockets strong now and safer later.
2. The Spurs Add Durant To A Finals Team
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2030 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
The Spurs already reached the Finals, so this would be a real all-in move. They don’t need to panic, but they also know how hard it is to get back. Victor Wembanyama is already a superstar, De’Aaron Fox will still be their lead guard, and Durant would add the one thing every Finals team needs: impossible half-court shot-making.
Durant would not need to carry the Spurs every night. That is the point. He could play off Wembanyama, attack mismatches, spot up, and punish switches. He averaged 2.4 made threes per game on 41.3% from deep, so teams still have to guard him high. That opens more room for Wembanyama rolls, Fox drives, and weak-side cuts.
For the Rockets, this is not an absolute rebuild package, but it keeps them deep and younger. Devin Vassell averaged 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field and 38.4% from three. He is at $27.0 million next season and still fits the Thompson-Sengun timeline. Keldon Johnson averaged 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field. He is at $17.5 million in base salary for 2026-27 and gives the Rockets a strong bench forward.
The salary is simple enough. Vassell and Johnson combine for $44.5 million in base salary, which lines up with Durant’s $43.9 million number. The two first-round picks make it worth it for the Rockets, because neither Vassell nor Johnson is a star.
For the Spurs, the risk is age. Durant is 37. But they are not trading Wembanyama, Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, or their main identity. They are trading good rotation pieces and picks for a scorer who can help them win the title now.
3. The Trail Blazers Try To Jump From Playoff Team To Real Threat
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets Receive: Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
The Trail Blazers are not rebuilding from zero anymore. They made the playoffs, and they have a real defensive base with Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Scoot Henderson. Durant would be the star scorer who changes the ceiling fast.
This is expensive, but it doesn’t destroy the roster. Durant would slide into the main scoring role, Avdija would keep doing a little bit of everything, Henderson would keep attacking, and Clingan would protect the rim. That is a serious playoff structure.
For the Rockets, Shaedon Sharpe is the main prize. He averaged 20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field. He is still not a complete player, but the scoring talent is real. At 23, he fits much better with Thompson, Sengun, Smith, and Sheppard than Durant does.
Jerami Grant is the salary piece, but he is still useful. He averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field. Grant is at $34.2 million next season, while Sharpe is at $20.1 million. That is $54.3 million going back to the Rockets for Durant’s $43.9 million, so the money is big, but the framework is possible.
The picks matter because Durant is still Durant. Even at 37, he averaged 26.0 points on elite efficiency. The Rockets should not move him only for salary and a scorer. Sharpe plus two first-round picks gives them a real future-based return.
For the Trail Blazers, this is the boldest move. Durant with Avdija, Henderson, Clingan, and Camara would be a tough team to prepare for. It is risky because of age, but it gives them a star without moving their whole core.
