Houston Rockets are willing to engage in the potential Kevin Durant blockbuster trade as a third party, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports. Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is open to a three-team arrangement for the right price.
Iko suggested hypothetical where the Rockets trade for young big man Deandre Ayton as part of a three-way deal, sending Durant to his desired destination of Phoenix. Ayton, a restricted free agent, would have to be given a new contract as part of any transaction.
The Nets will want to be compensated at an extremely high level in any trade sending out a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate like Durant. If Houston would to be compensated to accommodate the trade, then we can expect Houston to remain active this summer.
With Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. the Rockets are expected to continue rebuilding at least for next season. They traded away the expiring contract of Christian Wood as Alperen Sengun will be the team’s starting center.
Orlando Magic retain Bol Bol
The Orlando Magic kept most of their young core intact in the free agency, re-signing Mo Bamba and Bol Bol, per Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel. Both players will re-join the team on 2-year deals, and they will continue their development in Orlando.
Bol entered the NBA with wild upside – but with red flags that caused him to fall to No. 44 in the 2019 NBA Draft. In three pro seasons, Bol hasn’t proven he’ll can compete at this level.
That said, Bol is still just 22. Though the Magic obviously aren’t making a big commitment to him. Orlando surprisingly also kept Garry Harris in the free agency with most of the the team’s roster remaining the same from last season.
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