Player wise this is obviously what the Rockets would prefer, but I'm not sure it's enough to get the deal done. I would offer PHX their 2027 pick back, which theoretically should be more attractive to them. PHX's owner wants to remain competitive and the likelihood of the 2027 pick being #10 or better is probably 50/50 at this point. However, it gives him and the GM the flexibility to pivot if they can't right the ship in 2-years. While FVV and Jock will give some cap relief and Cam gives them a wildcard development piece, the #10 pick won't likely give them advantage that the 2027 pick does. Bonus is we can agree to the trade before the Draft and get this deal locked in. Retaining #10 this year allows the new player between 1-3 years of development with KD on the team and that is valuable to continue our pipeline of talent and hopefully support our competitive window. I'm also fairly excited about players in the 4-8 range and would love to trade up this year. Ok, there's my recommendation to @CRJ713 excellent idea. Feel free to disagree.
Players will play a grueling 16-28 games in the playoffs to win an NBA title. Your star players will be relied upon to play heavy minutes in the playoffs. Steph Curry barely made it out of the 1st round before suffering an injury. I doubt LeBron James would have made it all the way to the Finals healthy playing heavy minutes. Even if we managed Kevin Durant's minutes during the regular season, we will need him to play heavy minutes in the playoffs if we want to make it all the way to the NBA Finals and win it. For all you guys wanting Durant, you really think it's worth the risk and give up valuable picks and rotational players for an aging superstar?
For FVV, #10, and some change absolutely. KD played more games than Fred last season and will be more of a decoy and shooter on this team For Jalen, Jabari or whatever else package they want, absolutely not
Summary of the PR battle going on between John Gambadoro who reps Phoenix and Kelly Iko who reps Houston
Here's a question... Whatever you would offer for Durant, would you offer more or less for Lauri Markkanen?
I wouldn't. Markkanen to me is a more valuable player than Durant in a vacuum, but he doesn't fill our specific need the same way, and actually I don't think fits any need we have at all. Great player, just not for our current roster.
I still would prefer to keep 10 or even trade up. If they want FVV and Cam and garbage, that's fine. I guess I just value a high draft pick this year differently than most.
And likely give up some insignificant package in return compared to what will be demanded of the Rockets.
Did I just read Green, Jabari, and Cam Whitmore for KD? Green and Cam are whatever, but I’m not including Bari as well
I keep going back-and-forth if it would be better to trade Jalen or Fred. if you trade Jalen, you really need to keep Cam. But if you’re acquiring Durant that is a win now move and that might be better off over the next couple seasons with Fred. Can’t really decide.
If I’m KD I’d prefer to go to a younger team like Spurs, Rockets, Twolves. Those “BIG 3” super teams doesn’t work anymore. He’s tried it with Brooklyn and Phoenix.
