In what may be the biggest trade deal of the upcoming 2025 pre-season so far, the Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft. and five second-round picks, per ESPN. The question now is, who will the Rockets choose to head to Phoenix?
The Rockets will be choosing the No. 10 pick this year, and the trade now means that whoever they choose will go to the Suns no matter what. In such a big trade deal, who Houston chooses may become a future franchise star for the Suns.
3 Players Houston could choose to send to Phoenix after the Kevin Durant trade
Carter Bryant, Arizona
In the various pre-draft workouts, Carter Bryant has impressed many for his versatility and passing. The 6’6 wing is not much of a scorer, only averaging 6.5 points per game, but he has a high ceiling as he has shown that he can shoot if needed. He could be a versatile addition to the Suns, especially now that they do not have Durant anymore.
Bryant also averaged 4.1 rebounds and one assist per game and shot 46% from the field, showing that while he does not shoot much, he can land it when needed. This was evident when he dropped 12 points in their East Region first round game against Akron during March Madness.
Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois
Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakučionis, who played for Illinois last season, has several teams interested in him, and may even be picked before the Rockets get to him. However, should he go to being the No. 10 pick, it is more than likely that Houston picks him for the Suns in exchange for Durant.
Jakučionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Fighting Illini, but he has been flagged for his lack of athleticism and defensive prowess. Despite this, his flexibility to play between the point guard and shooting guard spots may prove attractive to the Suns.
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
With Kevin Durant gone, the Suns would need a good forward who can play the three well, and that may be why Houston might pick Gamecocks wing Collin Murray-Boyles for the transfer to Phoenix. Not only that, but the 6’7 forward can also play defense, which he may be able to do for the Suns in place of KD.
Murray-Boyles is also an elite scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game as a sophomore, and is a good rebounder with 8.3 points per game.
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