Is it a loss or a profit? Huoji says that trading KD extreme chips: Green + Smith Jr. + first round in 27 years

On June 19, 2025, as the draft approaches, the deal about Durant is getting closer and closer. If there is no big surprise, Durant's deal may happen before and after the draft. The Rockets, who are most likely to get Durant, are still very stable at the moment. They are not very eager to get Durant, and do not want to give too much chips for him.

According to Rockets reporter Jackson Gatlin, an update of his social media, the Rockets used Jaylen Green + Jabary Smith + the top four picks in the 2027 Suns, which is the limit he can accept. After using such chips to get Durant, the Rockets will form the starting lineup of VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Durant and Shinkyung in the new season. The substitute lineup includes Shepard, Whitmore, Ethan, Adams and the players selected by the No. 10 pick, and the depth of the lineup is enough.

For the Rockets, there were reports that they were seeking a situation where Jaylen Green could retain Jaylen Green and traded to get Durant's bargaining chips. If such a deal can be completed, the team's lineup depth in the new season will be stronger. With Durant's restraint, Green may also perform better.

So no matter what kind of chips you use to trade Durant, the Rockets must have their own bottom line, and don't give too much chips for Durant, and strive to continue to maintain competitiveness next season and go further in the playoffs.