Former 4-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is well acquainted with the importance of player compatibility and chemistry on a roster. His former team, the Houston Rockets, has come under the spotlight after qualifying for the NBA Playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the West. A few days ago, NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Kevin Durant and the Rockets have mutual interest in discussing a trade.
Ever since this report came out, analysts have deliberated upon how Durant can take Houston to the next level if both sides end up agreeing on a trade. On their most recent episode, the hosts of the Run It Back show, alongside Cousins, discussed the Rockets’ future if they lost to the Warriors. Cousins went on to emphasize that the Rockets need to add experience on this team, and they have the necessary assets to do that.
“I think they actually have a really good problem on their hands. They obviously have their foundational pieces in Sengun, Thompson, and I would even keep a guy like Dillon Brooks. I think those type of guys are winning players and championship-calibre guys. But they have the assets, they have the pieces to move, they can go and get two stars to add to their starting line-up. Why not go get a Trae Young or a Ja Morant to run your point? And then add a guy like Kevin Durant. You’ll easily move to a top-3 team in the West, you’ll actually have a chance at competing in the West, and now you have championship aspirations. I think Houston’s in a really good spot, it’s not always a bad thing to be young and inexperienced,” he said.
Lou Williams interjected his analysis and questioned whether a move like this would stunt the growth of young potential superstars on the Houston team. Cousins objected to this conclusion.
“Not at all, the reason I say that is because now you give them the purpose to play meaningful basketball, that’s a part of the growth in this game. If they’re competing every year to be a championship-level team, you have no choice but to grow. You get around guys like Kevin Durant, who’s been through the fire multiple times. They’re getting the first-hand experience, and like I said, now you’re competing for meaningful basketball. You add a guy like Ja Morant or Trae Young, it only increases the importance of that season. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing, that’s all part of the growth,” he further added.
What Trade Packages From Houston Could Look Like For Kevin Durant And Trae Young/ Ja Morant?
Considering that DeMarcus Cousins considered Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks as untouchables on this team for a trade, we suggest the following potential trade offer for Kevin Durant:
Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, 2027 First Round Pick (BKN), 2029 First Round Pick (DAL/PHX), 2031 First Round Pick (HOU)
To match Kevin Durant’s massive salary, it would be imperative that Fred VanVleet is a part of the trade package, as well as significant young talent to potentially become a franchise piece on a rebuilding team like the Suns are predicted to become. Hence, Cam Whitmore and Jabari Smith Jr., along with future draft assets, should be enough to convince the Suns to pull the trigger on this trade.
In a potential trade for Ja Morant/ Trae Young, both the respective teams will be at different stages in their progress. Grizzlies will still be a playoff contender with the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane on the roster. The Hawks will officially go into a full rebuild without Trae Young on their team. Therefore, both teams will have different expectations from the trade.
While the Grizzlies will look for an immediate impact player, the Hawks will look for a high number of draft assets and young talent to start their rebuild. If the Suns agree on a trade including Fred VanVleet, then Jalen Green will have to be the next piece traded to convince either the Hawks or Grizzlies to let their franchise player go.
Houston Rockets Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jalen Green, Reed Sheppard, Jae’Saen Tate, and Two First Round Picks (2028, 2030)
or
Houston Rockets Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Jae’Saen Tate, and Two First Round Picks (2028, 2030)
Rockets Starting Lineup With Kevin Durant And Trae Young/ Ja Morant
If the above-mentioned trades go through next season, here’s what the potential starting lineup could look like:
PG: Trae Young/ Ja Morant
SG: Amen Thompson
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Alperen Sengun
With Dillon Brooks’ and Amen Thompson’s elite defensive abilities combined with lethal scoring from Kevin Durant and Trae Young/Ja Morant, along with consistent rebounds and post threat from Alperen Sengun, this team could potentially become a 60-win team in the regular season and win it all next season. Wishful thinking from a Rockets fan, but if these trades go through, realistically, who is stopping the Rockets from winning it all? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
