On the eve of the 2024 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks agreed to trade Bojan Bogdanovic five first round picks and a second round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
On the heels of that deal, the Nets traded a 2027 first round pick from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2026 first round pick that they originally owned.
Rockets Angling For Blockbuster Offseason Trade
Brooklyn has paved the way for Houston to approach the Phoenix Suns about Kevin Durant, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Rockets now own 10 first round picks through 2030, including two in the 2025 and 2027 NBA Drafts. As the Suns gave up five first round picks for Durant, they may be willing to listen to Houston’s offer for the future Hall of Fame forward down the line.
The implications of the Rockets landing the Suns’ picks? Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant and that becomes far easier if they can return the Suns’ picks that they gave up in the Durant deal to the Nets. Suns have said they’re keeping Durant for now, but that could change…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
As Durant’s contract expires after the 2025-26 season, how Phoenix fares next season is particularly important. If the Suns perform below expectations or Durant continues to feel out of place in the offense, he could look to leave in 2026. Should Phoenix get the feeling he will, the best option is to move him before he does.
A volley of first-rounders is a lot for a player who may not agree to extend his contract with Houston. Still, for a player of Durant’s caliber, it’s worth the risk. The 14-time All-Star is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, ranking sixth all-time in career points per game (27.3). A two-time Finals MVP, Durant’s also an extreme competitor, refusing to shy away from big moments. When he’s at his best, the Durantula is using his spindly frame to shoot over defenders, pull down rebounds, and limit would-be scorers.
A Championship-Caliber Core
If the Rockets can get Durant without giving up rising star Alperen Sengun, Houston’s offense will have two of the best scorers at their position. It remains to be seen if they’ll be able to add a player of Paul George’s caliber before then. To that point, they may have to use some of their assets to get that deal done.
As intrigued as the Rockets have been about Durant, they’re determined to use the Suns picks to be aggressive on deals elsewhere now, sources tell ESPN. Phoenix has made it clear that they want to run it back with this group, and Houston is seeking a major upgrade now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
However, if they manage to land George and Durant, they may be competing for a championship. A Big 3 of Durant, George, and Sengun will certainly be able to compete with that of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis.
