TOUCH DOWN:  Rockets Make Bold Trade Offer for Kevin Durant, but Suns Reject Key Piece; Suns Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer After Disappointing Exit In…. 

In a dramatic twist shaking up the NBA offseason, the Houston Rockets reportedly made an aggressive trade offer for superstar forward Kevin Durant — but the Phoenix Suns slammed the brakes, rejecting a key component of the deal. Meanwhile, in a surprising development, the Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing playoff exit, adding more uncertainty to the franchise’s future.

Rockets Swing for the Fences

Sources close to the situation revealed that the Rockets, flush with young talent and draft assets, submitted a blockbuster trade package centered around rising stars and multiple first-round picks. The centerpiece of the offer is believed to have included dynamic guard Jalen Green and at least two unprotected first-round selections. However, the sticking point? The Suns’ firm refusal to part ways with All-Star guard Devin Booker, whom the Rockets reportedly asked to be included in a larger multi-team framework to facilitate cap maneuvering.

The Suns swiftly declined.

Durant, who turns 37 next season, remains under contract but has expressed frustration with the team’s direction after another early playoff exit. Despite that, Suns leadership is determined to keep its “Big Three” of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal intact — at least for now.

Coaching Carousel Spins Again in Phoenix

Adding fuel to the fire, the Suns announced the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer just weeks after he was hired in May. The move comes amid reports of internal discord and poor chemistry with key players during offseason planning sessions. This marks yet another abrupt coaching change in Phoenix — the third in as many years — following a humiliating first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Budenholzer, a former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, was brought in to instill discipline and structure after the Monty Williams era, but insiders say he clashed with the front office over personnel decisions and the team’s offensive identity.

What’s Next for Phoenix?

With Durant’s future in question, Booker’s name swirling in trade rumors, and the head coaching position now vacant, the Suns are once again at a crossroads. The franchise went all-in on veteran talent over the past two seasons, but the lack of postseason success has led to increased pressure from ownership and fans alike.

If the Rockets circle back with a revised offer — possibly excluding Booker but sweetening the pot with additional picks or a third-team trade partner — the Suns may be forced to reconsider their stance. For now, though, Kevin Durant remains in the Valley, and the franchise is scrambling to find a new leader on the sidelines.