Would Kevin Durant put the Rockets over the top? Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
In this episode, we explore the growing buzz surrounding the Houston Rockets and their rumored interest in trading for Kevin Durant. With speculation heating up, the big question looms: would the Rockets actually part ways with Jalen Green to make a win-now push with KD?
The conversation takes a hard look at what’s on the table. Could Fred VanVleet be part of a potential deal? Is a two-year window with Durant worth sacrificing key pieces of Houston’s young core? And if Jalen Green hasn’t yet proven he can lead a team deep into the playoffs, is now the time to pivot toward a veteran-led title run?
We also examine whether either the Rockets or the Miami Heat are truly willing to meet Phoenix’s demands, and what role Isaiah Thomas might be playing behind the scenes in the Suns’ front office — is he helping or complicating things? Reports also suggest Steven Adams may not be on board with the trade as it’s currently constructed, adding another layer of intrigue.
From questions about the Suns’ expectations to salary matching challenges in a potential blockbuster, we break down every angle of this high-stakes rumor mill.
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein weigh in!
Nick Kurtz homered in the ninth inning for the second straight day and the Athletics beat the Houston Astros 3-1 on Monday night.
Brent Rooker drew a leadoff walk against Bryan Abreu (1-3) to open the ninth and reach safely in 12 straight home games. Kurtz followed with his seventh home run of the season 447 feet over the right-field wall.
Kurtz also hit a ninth-inning homer on Sunday to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and a three-game sweep at Kansas City.
The Athletics have won four straight games and are now 7-4 over the last 11 after losing 20 of the previous 21.
The Astros had a five-game winning streak snapped after entering winners in 16 of their last 22.
Athletics reliever J.T. Ginn struck out the side in the eighth and Mason Miller (1-2) added two strikeouts in the ninth. Starter Mitch Spence allowed seven hits and one earned run in five innings.
Third baseman Max Muncy made a nice defensive play to end the fifth when he made a backhand stab of a grounder and sent a jump throw from foul territory to get a hustling Jose Altuve at first base.
Houston rookie Ryan Gusto struck out a season-high eight and only allowed one earned run in five innings. He started in place of RHP Lance McCullers Jr., who was placed on the IL.
Altuve homered in the first and JJ Bleday went deep to tie the score 1-1 for the Athletics in the fifth.
Key moment
The Athletics appeared to have runners on second and third with two outs in the eighth following Tyler Soderstrom’s hit. However, an official review showed Jeremy Peña tagged Soderstrom when he came off the bag.
Key stat
Abreu had a string of 16 straight scoreless outings come to an end. Abreu has only allowed runs in three of his 32 appearances.
Up next
Athletics LHP JP Sears (5-5, 5.08) is scheduled to start on Tuesday. The Astros have not named a starter.
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