In trade talks for Kevin Durant, the Suns have recently shown interest in young Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reports.
The Phoenix Suns have shown interest in Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. as part of recent trade talks involving Kevin Durant, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reports.
“Recently, Smith’s name has come up pertaining to the Suns’ interest, team and league sources say,” Iko writes.
Smith averaged 12.2 points (43.8% FG, 35.4% on 3-pointers) and 7.0 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game last season, and the 22-year-old remains a skilled and versatile defender for one of the NBA’s best defensive teams. As the No. 3 overall draft pick from the NBA’s 2022 first round, the Auburn product is eligible for a contract extension starting July 1, so the Rockets will be incentivized to try and figure out where he fits in the team’s longer-term blueprint.
For purposes of a hypothetical Durant trade, a trade combining Smith with either Dillon Brooks or Jalen Green and expiring contracts such as Aaron Holiday and Jock Landale could be financially feasible.
That said, it remains unclear how much value Houston is willing to give up for Durant and whether Smith would be a part of such a package. While still an elite player and an All-Star last season, the future Hall of Famer will turn 37 years old prior to the start of the 2025-26 season this fall.
Durant is expected to be traded in the coming days, and while the Rockets remain among the top suitors for his services, recent reporting suggests that the Miami Heat could be making inroads.
Durant has one year left on his existing contract, so the Suns are incentivized to trade him now and avoid any risk of losing him for no compensation in 2026 free agency.
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