Ahead of the NBA draft, Stephen A. Smith was joined by ESPN insider Brian Windhorst and Max Russo to discuss tonight’s event and some of the rumors circulating. One hot topic is Kevin Durant and the uncertainty surrounding his relationship with the Phoenix Suns.
Yesterday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Houston Rockets were gearing up and loading up draft picks to offer for Kevin Durant. This location comes as a surprise, as the Rockets are not necessarily one player away from contention. However, it seems that Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who is high on Durant, wants him now.
Stephen A. Smith delved into his reporting this morning on ESPN’s First Take, explaining where Phoenix and Houston stand as of today.
“Pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now,” Smith said this morning. “Houston doesn’t want Kevin Durant; Ime Udoka may want him, but organizationally, they know that they are not there yet. So their plans are more long-range.”
It makes sense; most would think Durant would want to join a winning situation. However, with the NBA being full of parity and journalists like Scoop B reporting yesterday that the Dallas Mavericks also have interest, it seems more and more likely that Durant will move to a new team.
Smith also mentioned that the Rockets’ organization would be more interested in someone like Devin Booker, a young player who can grow with the team but has enough experience to help the team progress. The first round of the NBA draft will be full of surprises, and we will see if Durant leaving Phoenix is one of them.
