To Windhorst’s point, the Rockets finished 52-30 and No. 2 in the West last season, and that was with an elite defense and a mediocre offense. By adding Durant, who remains an All-Star forward with elite scoring, it would significantly improve Houston’s biggest weakness.

As the Houston Rockets pursue a difference-making scorer to elevate them in the Western Conference hierarchy next season, they appear to be willing to engage the Phoenix Suns in a staring contest about the asking price for Kevin Durant.

In early February, the Phoenix Suns attempted to trade Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors without his knowledge. He eventually got wind of the negotiations and squashed the deal, but the writing was on the wall at that point.