Suns mentality collapses! Sam Amick: Rockets want letters, and their interest in KD is declining

On May 26, according to NBA reporter Sam Amick, compared to getting Suns forward Kevin Durant, the Rockets management hopes to get a star who is more in line with the team's timeline, that is, Bucks forward Antetokounmpo. Last summer, the Rockets exchanged the Nets for the Suns' three first round picks in the next three, namely the unprotected first rounds in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The Suns' first round picks in the next seven years are not in their own hands. Except for the three first rounds of the Rockets, the unprotected first round in 2031 is in the hands of the Jazz, the first round swap rights in 2026 and 2030 are in the hands of the Wizards, and the first round swap rights in 2028 are in the hands of the Nets.

It is worth mentioning that the Rockets have the Nets' first round swap rights in 2028. In other words, the Suns have always hoped to send Durant to the Rockets in exchange for their three first-round picks and the Nets' 2028 swap rights. In this way, the Suns can control their 4 first-round picks in the next five years. According to Rockets reporter Kelly Iko, the Suns management contacted the Rockets management in the middle of the season, hoping to exchange Durant for all its first-round picks, as well as Reed Shepard, Jabarry Smith and Dillon Brooks, but the Rockets unilaterally refused the deal.

In fact, Durant's contract is only 1 year and 54.71 million US dollars. No matter which team gets Durant through a trade this summer, the latter can get an early contract renewal worth 2 years and 132 million US dollars. Obviously, this is difficult for any team to make a decision, and Durant will turn 37 next season. For the Suns management, sending Durant to teams such as the Heat, Magic, etc. will not get the ideal reward. Previously, the price of the Suns getting Durant was 4 first rounds +1 swaps, as well as Bridges and Johnson, among which Bridges was sent to the Knicks in another deal, and exchanged for 5 first round picks.