Rockets Acquire Suns' Draft Picks From Nets With Eye On Trading For Kevin Durant

06/25/2024 10:18 PM

The Brooklyn Nets have reacquired their 2026 first round pick from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2027 first round pick via the Phoenix Suns. Houston also gave up their right to swap picks in 2025 with the Nets. The Rockets originally acquired the pick and swap from the Nets in 2021 as part of the James Harden trade. Houston will draft No. 3 in Wednesday's draft via the Harden trade as well.

The deal allows the Nets to control their own draft in 2025 and 2026 as they enter a rebuild after trading away Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, while the Rockets are angling to acquire Kevin Durant from the Suns by owning their future draft picks.

The Rockets are also acquiring the Suns' 2025 first round pick, as well as the more favorable first round pick in 2029 between the Suns and Dallas Mavericks.

Trading for Durant becomes easier for the Rockets if they can send picks originating from the Suns back to them. The Suns are keeping Durant at this time, but that position could change next season. The Rockets also plan to pursue trades with other teams using the Suns picks as they seek a major upgrade immediately. Houston could also pursue Devin Booker in a future trade scenario as he's eight years younger than Durant.