Rockets could acquire Suns’ superstar forward in offseason to strengthen title hopes

The Houston Rockets have been a surprise team in the NBA this season after their incredible start.

This season has been a complete turnaround for Houston. Last season, they narrowly missed out on the final Play-In spot as they finished with a 41-41 record after a strong finish to the season.

After their strong finish to last season, the Rockets started off hot this season and they currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 34-21 record. They were struggling entering the All-Star break though, as they have lost seven of their last 10 contests.

Houston has had a great season thus far and their young core has been a major reason why. Alperen Şengün was a first-time All-Star and Jalen Green and Amen Thompson have showed out this season.

While the Rockets have had a great season thus far, they do lack a true superstar player. Before the trade deadline, they had a chance to change that as there were reports that they were interested in both De’Aaron Fox and Kevin Durant.

Despite this, the Rockets decided to keep their roster together, but that could change in the offseason if they are unable to make a deep playoff run. While Fox is no longer available for trade after he was sent to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston could still make a trade with the Phoenix Suns for Durant in the offseason.

For the Rockets to land Durant from Phoenix, they would have to include Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Jock Landale, plus draft capital, to match salaries. They could also elect to include Fred VanVleet, who has a team option after the season and is set to make over $44 million next season if the Rockets pick it up.

Either way, the Rockets will have to give up a large package to land Durant, but he would give them a true first option. The 36-year-old superstar is still an elite scorer and great defender who would fit in well next to Şengün, Green and Thompson in the starting lineup.

Even in the latter part of his career, Durant is still one of the best players in the NBA and he could help make the Rockets into a championship favorite next season if they are able to trade for him in the offseason.