Kevin Durant is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of joining Cade Cunningham in Detroit, adding another layer to what could become one of the NBA’s biggest trade storylines if the Houston Rockets eventually make the future Hall of Famer available.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints on Sunday, Durant has interest in playing alongside Cunningham. Siegel also reported that the Detroit Pistons are “fully expected to be at the front of the line” to pursue Durant should the Rockets explore trade scenarios now or later in the 2026-27 season.
At the moment, however, Houston has given no indication that it plans to move Durant. The 37-year-old is entering the first season of a two-year, $90 million contract that includes a player option for 2027-28, and the Rockets have spent the offseason reinforcing the roster around him rather than preparing for a rebuild.
Houston finished 52-30 last season, good for fifth place in the Western Conference, before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the first round of the playoffs. Durant remained one of the league’s elite scorers, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 52.0% from the field, 41.3% from three and 87.4% from the free-throw line across 78 starts. His .588 effective field-goal percentage underscored his continued efficiency despite being in his 19th NBA season.
The Rockets have since focused on maintaining their veteran-core approach. They added Marcus Smart, are retained restricted free agent Tari Eason, and are reportedly preparing a long-term extension for Amen Thompson after the 23-year-old averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists while earning Defensive Player of the Year votes. Houston also continues to build around All-Star center Alperen Sengun, who posted 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.
Detroit, meanwhile, emerged as one of the NBA’s biggest success stories last season. The Pistons won the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record before reaching the conference semifinals, where they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games after holding a 2-0 series lead.
Cunningham established himself as one of the league’s premier guards, finishing fifth in MVP voting after averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 64 games. He was named to the All-NBA First Team and partnered with All-Star center Jalen Duren, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65.0% from the field.
Detroit has continued reshaping its roster this offseason by acquiring Isaiah Joe, signing John Collins and re-signing Kevin Huerter, moves intended to improve the team’s shooting and frontcourt depth around Cunningham. The Pistons also drafted Karim Lopez with the 21st overall pick after a series of draft-night trades.
