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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Houston Rockets came into the 2025-26 NBA season as one of the championship favorites. They left with a 52-30 record, the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant, who was traded to Houston in October 2025 and signed a two-year $90 million extension immediately after arriving, played in just a single game during the series. The Lakers, meanwhile, didn't even have their best player, Luka Doncic.
Now, with the 2026 NBA draft just hours away, Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko reported that rival teams that have recently contacted the Rockets have been informed that Amen Thompson is the only "near-untouchable" on the roster. Houston isn't actively shopping Durant or Sengun, but they're making it clear that both are available for the right price.
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This is a massive 180. A year ago, the Rockets were reportedly "unwilling" to give up Sengun for Durant himself. Now, both guys are apparently on the table.
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In April, 22 teams were named as potentially interested in making a move for Durant this summer. Trade buzz has followed him throughout his career, so this isn't entirely surprising. But the Sengun angle here is interesting. Sengun is coming off another strong year with the Rockets, where he averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 51.9% from the floor. He earned his second straight All-Star nod and is still just 23 years old.
According to The Athletic's William Guillory, there's "a real chance" Sengun could be included in a blockbuster trade for a top star, citing his up-and-down play in the second half of the season and his disappearance at points in the playoffs. The Ringer recently floated the idea of Sengun, Dorian Finney-Smith, and two first-round picks for Kawhi Leonard. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell have also been mentioned as potential targets.
Of the two names, Durant is still the most likely to go. At $43.9 million, he'll be the highest-paid player on a team that's hovering near the luxury tax line, and he turns 38 in September. He also holds a $46 million player option for 2027-28, essentially entering the season on an expiring contract. That makes him both movable and marketable.
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