Durant trade talks take a turn with Rockets in the mix

Rockets Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun
The Suns are setting a steep price. Composite Getty Image.

The NBA trade rumor mill is in overdrive, and once again, Kevin Durant finds himself at the center of the chaos. As teams across the league weigh their options, the Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities — a rising squad with young talent, cap flexibility, and the ambition to make a major move. But is Durant the final piece that could launch the Rockets into true contender status?

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest whispers surrounding KD’s future, including the Suns’ disappointment with Houston’s current offer and their desire to pry Jalen Green and/or Jabari Smith from the Rockets' promising core. Phoenix is playing hardball, reportedly seeking either the Spurs' No. 2 pick in the draft, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, or possibly both — a steep price for a 35-year-old star on a two-year deal.

San Antonio has quietly emerged as a serious contender for Durant’s services, potentially leapfrogging other suitors like the Heat — who, according to reports, sit at the bottom of KD’s preferred destinations list. With Durant’s age becoming a factor and the Suns trying to balance long-term development with short-term competitiveness, Phoenix faces a tough question: are they chasing the Durant of a decade ago, or can they still extract elite value from what he brings now?

We break down the top three teams in the KD sweepstakes, the Suns’ aggressive demands, and whether Houston’s front office will push its chips in — or walk away from the table.

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The Astros beat the A's 13-3. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images.

Cam Smith hit two of Houston's five home runs and finished with four hits as the Astros routed the Athletics 13-3 on Tuesday night to halt their four-game winning streak.

Jason Alexander, claimed off waivers from the Athletics last month, pitched six shutout innings for Houston before tiring in the seventh. Mauricio Dubón, Christian Walker and Cooper Hummel also homered for the Astros.

Smith and Dubón went back-to-back in the fourth.

Smith connected for leadoff shots in the second and fourth. He drove in three runs and scored three times. The 22-year-old rookie has five major league homers — and two multihomer games.

Dubón followed Smith's second home run with his second this season for a 5-0 lead against A's starter JP Sears, who walked the bases loaded in the first before giving up a two-run single to Jake Meyers.

Smith finished off his first four-hit game with an RBI double in the eighth.

Alexander (1-0) threw a season-high 95 pitches in his 12th career start and first since Sept. 18, 2022, with Milwaukee. He allowed three runs — two earned — and three hits.

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