Rockets predicted to trade Kevin Durant to Cavs for $411M former MVP in 4-team blockbuster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Rockets are trying to bounce back from an up-and-down season last year that ended with a first-round playoff exit to the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston had a roster that featured a mix of veteran experience and young talent.
Kevin Durant did his part for the Rockets in his first season with the team. However, injuries to veterans Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet proved to be significant losses.
“Interviews with team sources and those with knowledge of the team's operations reveal that the VanVleet injury, and the season-ending ankle injury to Steven Adams later on, impacted the team in ways that extended off the floor. Beyond the team's glaring lack of playmaking, their absences created a massive leadership void that Durant and the team struggled to fill,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon wrote.
This summer has been interesting, to say the least, as Houston has been trying to figure out what to do with Durant. His name has reportedly been made available in trade discussions.
“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.
With Durant potentially available in trade talks, Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad proposed a four-team blockbuster involving Jalen Duren and James Harden.
“Cavs receive: Kevin Durant and Jalen Duren (via sign-and-trade; four-year, $176.2 million contract). Pistons receive: Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, a 2028 first round pick (via CLE), and three second round picks (via CLE, LAC). Rockets receive: James Harden, Sam Merrill and a 2031 first round pick. Clippers receive: Duncan Robinson,” Ahmad wrote.
This entire trade would be massive for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as adding Durant and Duren would give them enough talent to compete with the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. For Houston, the deal would bring Harden back to the organization, but it could leave the Rockets in another awkward situation with an aging superstar.
Harden has made $411 million throughout his career. A potential reunion with the Rockets could bring him back to the successful days he enjoyed with the organization. If this blockbuster came to fruition, it would send the entire NBA world into a frenzy.
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