NBA rumors: Suns and Rockets are negotiating Durant deal and "reduce" the asking price

The Rockets downplayed their trading interest in Kevin Durant, but would they do if the Suns cut prices large enough? The Phoenix Suns are working to find Kevin Durant's trading opportunities this offseason, and the Houston Rockets have long been considered a potential trading destination because they clearly need to improve their offense and have the ability to develop a reasonable trading plan. The Suns are still calling them to discuss possible transfers, despite the Rockets' interest in Durant's trading in recent months, according to The Athletic's Kelly Ico.

Ico reported that the Phoenix Suns even "gradually lowered" the asking price for Durant, and Houston might be interested in a certain price point. However, the Rockets are worried about breaking up the core lineup for a 36-year-old player with potential injuries, which still makes it "full of questions" whether the two teams can complete Durant's deal.

The Suns are interested in reaching a deal with the Rockets to regain control of some of the draft picks, including the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft. But even after a crushing defeat against the Golden State Warriors as a No. 2 seed in the first round, the Houston Rockets are reluctant to pay too much for Durant's deal. While Durant is still a great scorer who can help the Rockets make up for the offensive shortcomings, he has declined in other aspects and has suffered from injuries in recent years.

Phoenix may need a center, but there is no indication that Alperen Sengon can trade Durant. Armen Thompson was labeled "absolutely untradeable" during the offseason, although it is unclear whether players like Giannis Antetokounmpo are the same. However, Iko pointed out that doubts about whether Giannis can be traded in the offseason are gradually heating up. Devin Booker's pursuit also seems to be a foregone conclusion, and neither the Suns nor the Rockets are interested in this at present.

So, Kevin Durant's trading dance will continue. The Phoenix Suns obviously want to trade with the Houston Rockets, but the Rockets are tough and will patiently wait for the transaction results. If the Suns continue to lower their asking price, maybe they can eventually make a deal.