Smith Jr. becomes the key to the deal! The Suns are stubbornly refused, the Rockets refuse: He is not a seller

According to the latest reports from the US media, there are still significant differences in the Rockets and Suns' transaction negotiations on Durant, and the core contradictions between the two sides are concentrated on the composition of bargaining chips.

1. Rockets' quotation position

Initial offer: The Rockets proposed a plan with Jaylen Green and the 10th pick in the first round of 2025, but it clearly refused to add Jabbarry Smith, Tari Ethan or rookie Shepard to the deal.

Reason for refusing to compromise: Rockets coach Uduka regards Smith Jr. and Ethan as the core of the defensive system, believing that the two are the key puzzles for future team building. Especially Smith Jr.'s space-type four-position attributes (12.2 points and 7 rebounds per game) and Ethan's defensive potential make the Rockets unwilling to give in.

2. Suns' latest asking price

upgrade requirements: Suns hope the deal includes at least one of the No. 10 picks, Dillon Brooks, and Smith Jr. or Ethan. This move aims to obtain a dual return on instant combat power and future assets.

Bottom line setting: Suns management insists on the minimum requirement of at least two starting players plus a first-round pick, and is far more interested in Smith Jr. than Jaylen Green (thinks that it overlaps with Booker and Bill).

3. The key point of the negotiation deadlock

Rockets' initiative: Since the Suns are in hand with no protection first round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029, the Rockets have an advantage in the negotiations and believe that the Suns need to lower the asking price.

The Suns' Dilemma: If a deal cannot be reached, the Suns may face the salary pressure of Durant staying in the team (the total salary exceeds the luxury tax line) or be forced to accept lower offers from other teams (such as the Timberwolves' Gobert + Divinchenzo plan).

4. Potential solution

compromise: The Rockets may consider joining Whitmore as an alternative chip, but the Suns are still more inclined to get Smith Jr.

Time pressure: The draft is approaching (June 26). If the two sides fail to reach an agreement before the draft, the Suns may be forced to postpone the trading until the late offseason, and the market heat may further decrease.

5. The trading prospect forecast is low probability of achieving: unless the Suns significantly reduce the requirements (such as accepting Green + 10 pick + second round pick), or the Rockets accidentally let Smith out, the transaction will be difficult to complete in the short term.

Other competitors: The Heat, Timberwolves and other teams are still waiting and watching, but the offer also fails to meet the Suns' expectations (such as the Heat refuses to send Adebayo or Weir).

Summary

The core contradiction in the current negotiations lies in the Suns' obsession with Smith Jr. and the Rockets' protection attitude. Given Durant's age (37 years old) and the remaining years of the contract (53 million in 1 year), the Rockets' cautious attitude makes sense, while the Suns' reconstruction needs force it to seek maximum returns. Draft dynamics in the next few days may become an opportunity to break the deadlock.