How Houston faces crossroads as trade talks intensify between Rockets and Suns

ON THE MOVE?

Rockets Amen Thompson, Fred Vanvleet, Ime Udoka
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!

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How Astros series win feels larger ahead of huge returns in Houston

Astros emerge on top after thrilling battle with Red Sox

The Astros beat the Red Sox, 7-6. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Ramón Urías had three hits with a two-run homer and Chas McCormick hit his first homer this season as the Houston Astros built a big lead and held on for a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

Carlos Correa hit an RBI single to help the Astros to the victory after they were swept in Boston to start the month.

It was his first home game since rejoining the team in a blockbuster trade from the Twins.

Houston starter Cristian Javier (1-0) had a solid outing in his return after sitting out more than 14 months following Tommy John surgery. He allowed two hits and two runs in the first inning before settling down and giving up just one single over the next four innings.

Alex Bregman’s two-run home run in the first inning gave Boston an early lead in his first game in Houston since leaving the Astros this offseason.

The Astros welcomed Bregman back with the video below.

Houston scored three runs in the third to take the lead and got a two-run shot from McCormick in the fourth and a two-run homer from Urías in the fifth to make it 7-2.

But the Red Sox scored four runs with two outs in the seventh inning, highlighted by home runs from Abraham Toro and Roman Anthony, to get within 1. Bregman singled after that, but Jarren Duran grounded out to end the inning.

Connor Wong doubled off Enyel De Los Santos with two outs in the ninth inning and Bennett Sousa took over and struck out Anthony to end it and collect his fourth save.

Boston’s Garrett Crochet (13-5) yielded seven hits and tied a season-high with five runs in a season-low four innings to snap a nine-game winning streak and give him his first loss since May 26.

Urías, who was acquired from Baltimore at the deadline, finished a triple shy of the cycle to tie a season high in hits.

Key moment

Sousa’s strikeout of Anthony in the ninth.

Key stat

McCormick’s home run was his first since Aug. 28. He caught up with Julia Morlaes after the game and talked about the big homer.

Up next

Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-2, 7.43 ERA) opposes RHP Dustin May (6-8, 4.93) when the series continues Tuesday night.

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How Astros series win feels larger ahead of huge returns in Houston

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