Rockets Could Be Durant’s Next Stop After Suns’ Failed Big Three Experiment

The Phoenix Suns’ Big Three experiment, which was supposed to incorporate Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, has gone down in flames this season.

What was touted as a possible championship-winning trio is now clinging to the tenth seed within the Western Conference, rendering their playoff probabilities questionable. With tensions working excessive, rumors are rising about Kevin Durant’s attainable departure—and Houston may be his new group.

Suns’ Big Three Experiment Falls Short

When the Suns introduced collectively their “Big Three,” there was plenty of hype surrounding their star-laden group. But after 5 months of the common season, the group is underperforming. According to Essentially Sports, accidents, chemistry issues, and lack of consistency have contributed to a disappointing season.

Even with Durant’s constant scoring of virtually 27 factors per night time wasn’t sufficient to salvage Suns’ obtrusive document.

Team proprietor Mat Ishbia lately confirmed the group’s disappointing efficiency.

“It’s been a really disappointing year. Very disappointed. There’s not a person in the organization that doesn’t feel that way. We had high expectations. We felt really good about where going into the season and we’ve not met any of those expectations,” Ishbia stated.

KD Shut Down Trade Talks with the Warriors

Interestingly, the Suns had been stated to be in negotiations with the Golden State Warriors for a attainable Kevin Durant commerce. But Durant was fast to kill the rumor, saying he needed to stay in Phoenix.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder ahead stated that the Warriors commerce didn’t make any sense to him.

Houston Rockets: Durant’s Next Stop?

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix has fueled the rumors, speculating that Durant is wanting on the Houston Rockets as his subsequent group. In his opinion, Durant needs to wind up in Houston.

Durant has robust roots in Texas. He performed for the University of Texas within the 2006-07 season earlier than being drafted into the NBA. Moreover, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had labored with Durant as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets, making their bond even stronger.

Rockets Could Use a Superstar For Playoff Push

Under Udoka, the Rockets have been a rising energy within the Western Conference, transferring to the second seed this yr. Despite their success, although, the group does not have playoff and championship expertise, one thing which may make Durant the lacking hyperlink they must be true contenders.

But with Houston’s younger nucleus—Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson, the query turns into whether or not the Rockets are ready to signal an getting older star. It was reported earlier that the Rockets wouldn’t commerce for older gamers, as an alternative opting to journey with their youth.

If the Durant deal will not push by means of, the Kyrie Irving commerce may exit.

Durant’s Locker Room Tensions

Durant’s attainable exit can also be pushed by elevated tensions within the Suns’ locker room. There was a heated argument between Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer lately that went viral, which made folks query the interior dynamics of the group.

During a timeout within the Suns’ loss to the Lakers, Durant was seen arguing with Budenholzer, gesturing in frustration as the 2 argued over defensive assignments.