The Celtics at least have a clearer read now on what Kevin Durant might cost if Houston ever puts him on the market.
Heavy’s Sean Deveney reported that NBA executives do not believe the Rockets would land “anything close” to the kind of return the Phoenix Suns got when they moved the 16-time All-Star last offseason. One executive told Deveney Houston would be fortunate to get more than a first-round pick.
“They could get a first-round pick for him, probably,” one NBA executive said. “Not a lot more, though, not like what Phoenix got. He’s not just a guy who gives you 26 points; all the other stuff makes it more complicated with him."
Durant came to Houston from Phoenix in a seven-team deal. The Suns’ haul included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden and two second-round picks.
Even with Durant turning 38 later this month, his production still looks like that of a star. He made All-NBA Second Team last season after posting 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 78 games.
That kind of output would normally point to a hefty trade price, but there are real complications here. Durant’s age matters.
So does the controversy tied to allegations that he used a burner account to criticize his Rockets teammates. And then there’s the contract: two years remain on the deal, including $43.9 million in 2026-27 and a $46.1 million player option for 2027-28.
All of that can make him more attainable than a player of his caliber usually would be.
For Celtics fans hoping to connect the dots, though, there is no solid reason to think a Durant-Boston move is around the corner. The Celtics have had interest in Durant before - in 2022, they reportedly talked with the Brooklyn Nets when he asked out, and Kevin O'Connor reported there were “rumblings” at the 2025 trade deadline that Durant wanted to end up with the Celtics or Knicks.
Still, plenty remains unresolved. It is not clear whether Boston would want him at this point in his career, whether Durant would want Boston, or whether Houston would even listen if offers came in for the two-time champion.
If the Rockets do decide to entertain calls, though, Boston now has a better sense of the price tag.
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