Rockets and Nets Complete Multi-Pick Trade, Eyeing Durant

The Houston Rockets have executed a multi-draft pick swap with the Brooklyn Nets to initiate an immediate pursuit of a star player, according to sources cited by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Rockets are particularly interested in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. They have gathered draft capital to potentially entice the Suns into trading the 14-time All-Star. However, Phoenix intends to retain Durant, leading Houston to explore other aggressive trade options, as reported by Wojnarowski.

The implications of the Rockets landing the Suns' picks? Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant and that becomes far easier if they can return the Suns' picks that they gave up in the Durant deal to the Nets. Suns have said they're keeping Durant for now, but that could change…
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024

Houston has traded the Nets' 2025 pick swap and 2026 first-round pick, which were part of the James Harden deal in 2021, back to Brooklyn. In return, the Rockets received the Suns' 2027 first-round pick and a 2025 pick swap, per Wojnarowski. These picks were initially acquired by Brooklyn when they traded Durant to the Suns last season.

Additionally, the Rockets acquired a 2029 first-round pick, which will be the more favorable selection between Phoenix and the Dallas Mavericks. They also gained the right to swap their own 2029 pick with the less favorable selection between the Mavericks' and Suns' picks that year, according to Wojnarowski.

Should Houston opt for a more patient approach in their pursuit of a star, they could target the Suns' other leading player, Devin Booker, Wojnarowski noted.

Last offseason, the Rockets made significant moves by signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to substantial free-agent contracts. Despite a strong start to the 2023-24 season, the team finished with a 41-41 record, missing the play-in tournament.

Houston also holds the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, which has been discussed as a potential trade asset. The Rockets' current roster includes six players selected in the first round over the last three seasons.

For the Nets, this trade allows them to recover their remaining lost picks from the Harden deal as they embark on a comprehensive rebuild.

This trade was reported shortly after the Nets reportedly received five first-round picks from the New York Knicks in exchange for Mikal Bridges.