​Rockets predicted to flip Kevin Durant for $153M ex-Nuggets NBA champion in 3-team blockbuster originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.This offseason has created more questions surrounding Kevin Durant’s future, as the veteran star could potentially be reconsidering his fit in Houston and the direction of the franchise. Durant is still chasing another championship, and his priority remains competing at the highest level.The Houston Rockets are at a crossroads with their future. They want to compete for championships while continuing to develop their young core, but their handling of Durant throughout the summer has created uncertainty.“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don’t view him as an “untouchable” talent in trade talks on their roster. Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.If Houston decides to move on from Durant, there could be multiple teams interested. One potential destination that has emerged is Detroit, where Durant could team up with Pistons star Cade Cunningham.“Two league sources with knowledge of the situation told ClutchPoints that the Pistons were set on figuring out a path to land Durant, but nothing ever materialized in this three-team idea, nor did anything appear possible in brief discussions with only Houston. Perhaps the greatest detail to emerge from all of these rumors is that Durant has interest in playing alongside Pistons star Cade Cunningham, sources said,” Siegel wrote.A Durant trade could reshape the NBA landscape. Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad believes Houston could send Durant to Detroit in a blockbuster three-team deal.“In a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets as facilitators, both the Pistons and the Rockets would find a way to move significant pieces. In the trade proposal, the Rockets get Michael Porter Jr. from Brooklyn, Duncan Robinson and Ron Holland II from Detroit and a 2028 first-round pick from Brooklyn and two first-round picks from Detroit,” Ahmad wrote.Durant joining the Pistons would give Detroit another elite scorer as they continue building into a contender in the Eastern Conference. The Rockets would receive Michael Porter Jr., who brings valuable championship experience after winning a title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Brooklyn would serve as the facilitator to help make the blockbuster deal possible.Porter Jr. has earned $153 million throughout his NBA career to this point. If Houston does decide to move on from Durant, this type of return could give them additional shooting and offensive firepower while continuing to build around their young core.More NBA news:Heat, Nuggets, Cavaliers reportedl