On January 2nd, Beijing time, according to NBA reporter Shams, the Suns' total salary for this season exceeds 220million,andtheyalsoneedtopayover180 million in luxury tax, totaling a staggering $400 million. Currently, with a record of 15 wins and 17 losses, the Suns are only ranked 11th in the Western Conference, missing out on the playoff play-in tournament. Additionally, they only lead the 12th-ranked Kings in the West by one game. In the past 23 games, the Suns have managed only 7 wins and 16 losses, with this win rate ranking just 25th in the league during the same period. It is clear that the Suns will make changes before the trade deadline, aiming to reduce their payroll and regain their future first-round draft pick.
This summer, the Rockets acquired the right to swap first-round picks with the Suns in 2025, as well as unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 from the Nets. The Rockets' goal is very clear: they hope to acquire Suns forward Kevin Durant. Currently, the Rockets are temporarily ranked third in the West. This season, the Rockets have repeatedly faced reversals by opponents in the fourth quarter, which is largely due to the lack of a star player on the team. Although names like Butler and Fox have appeared in the trade market, the Rockets' management and coaching staff have higher expectations for Durant. Moreover, the Rockets' management has maintained sufficient patience in trading for Durant.
American media outlet BR has also made predictions, suggesting that the Rockets, Suns, and Nets could reach a three-way trade. The Rockets would send VanVleet, as well as their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, to the Suns in exchange for Durant. They would also return the Nets' 2027 first-round swap right to the Nets and obtain the Suns' 2025 first-round pick, sending it to the Suns as well. This way, both the Suns and the Nets would be able to control their own first-round picks, and the Suns would also receive an expiring max contract.
