Reputed NBA analyst reports Suns "want out of" Kevin Durant immediately ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

With NBA teams working to increase their chances of capturing the championship next year, Kevin Durant's name has been included in a certain trade rumor between the Suns and the Rockets. Interestingly, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith added more fuel to the fire when he reported on ESPN's "First Take" about Phoenix looking to move Durant as soon as possible.

Smith's report is more aligned with the Suns' front office to package Durant in a deal now.

"I am reporting here, pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying," Smith said. "They want out of Kevin Durant right now.

"Houston doesn't want Kevin Durant. Ime Udoka may want him, but organizationally, they know that they are not they're yet. So they're plans are more long range and they would prefer a Devin Booker ... That would be their preference."

Additionally, the NBA analyst's report also stated that Houston is looking to land Devin Booker first before making a move on Durant. Their vision fits the inclusion of Booker now more than the two-time NBA Finals MVP, as the pieces around them are not at a championship level yet.

Originally, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets were successful in acquiring the Suns' future draft picks from the Nets. In the scenario where Phoenix seeks to reshape its roster for a more cohesive fit, the idea of acquiring picks that can be used to acquire other players should be of interest to the Suns.

It'll be interesting to see how this trade scenario pans out in the coming months.

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Kevin Durant responded to a fan comment regarding trade rumors involving the Suns and the Rockets

Trade rumors are a common thing at this point for NBA players. Amid all the reports involving Kevin Durant, X user SJ (@SJBasketball8) mocked the superstar's reputation by posting:

"KD so sorry. Look at what his reputation is now."

"Well check ball then," Durant posted.

This isn't the first time Durant has responded to an NBA fan on social media. Compared to other stars of the league, he doesn't shy away from going back and forth with fans on certain topics related to basketball.

As of now, the Suns forward has not addressed or responded to the trade rumors involving him and the Rockets. A possible acquisition of him by Houston would certainly make them a more competitive unit as opposed to last year's version.