Durant s trade progress: The Rockets are unwilling to send out two strikers! Average of 9+3 new players may be included in the trade

June 21, now Durant's deal seems to be in a deadlock. It is said that the Celtics want to get Durant now. In this case, the Rockets, Spurs, and Timberwolves that are chasing KD will have another competitor. In fact, none of these teams want to get Durant at a high price, especially the Houston Rockets. They don’t want to give away the rookie Shepard the Suns want, nor do they want to give away their double strikers Ethan and Jabbarry Smith Jr. After all, according to reports, these two forwards occupy an important position in the tactical system of Rockets coach Uduka, and the Rockets will not send them away easily unless they can be exchanged for top 10 superstars in the league.

Shepard is also the focus of training for the Rockets. Although his performance this season is not good, the more the reason is that the Rockets did not give him too many opportunities and tactical status. The Rockets are a team that advocates defense, and now they need an offensive superstar like Durant to lead the team to win in the playoffs.

But in fact, the Rockets still have potential to tap on the offensive end. Shin Kyung's low-post offense is improving every year. Even Van Vreet is reliable in the playoffs, and Smith Jr.'s shooting has been improving, and Jaylen Green. If Jaylen Green can play at the regular season level in the playoffs, then the Rockets are actually competitive. So, the Rockets' other plan is to not replace Durant to develop internal potential, which can also make a difference in the playoffs.

The Rockets are unwilling to give out Smith Jr. and Ethan. They only want to give out the No. 10 pick, plus the two chips Jaylen Green, and of course they also need some contracts to match their salary. Among the Rockets' core players, Manager Rafael Stone is willing to give away the starting shooting guard Jaylen Green, who is about 23 years old.

Although Jaylen Green performed poorly in the playoffs, he actually did not perform poorly in the regular season. According to NBA reporter Evan Cedry, although Rockets general manager Raphael Stone is unwilling to send Smith Jr. or Ethan, if the Rockets are willing to chase Durant and complete the deal, the Rockets may send their 21-year-old small forward Cam Whitmore.

After all, although Whitmore is not as capable and strength as Smith and Ethan, he is also a marginal player among the Rockets. However, he has a very strong personal scoring ability. He can not only hit the basket, but also shoot three-pointers from the outside, and also make fouls on the court to win free throws. He has many ways to send the ball into the basket, which is why the Rockets value him.

Although the Rockets have a lot of talent in the front line this season, Whitmore lacks opportunities and is even transferred to the Development League Vipers to play, the Rockets have repeatedly emphasized next season that they will reuse two young players, Whitmore and Shepard. If the Rockets give Whitmore for Durant and keep Ethan and Smith Jr., this is actually a good trading plan. After all, Whitmore averages 9.4 points and 3 rebounds per game in 16.2 minutes this season. His ability is really undeniable. If he can find more opportunities to the Suns, Whitmore may become a key role player.

If the Rockets want to complete this deal and refuse to send Ethan and Smith Jr., then Whitmore is packed and sent away to the market, it will be a pretty good solution.