The Boston Celtics now have a better idea of what it could take to acquire Kevin Durant.

According to Heavy’s Sean Deveney, NBA executives don’t think the Houston Rockets would get “anything close” to what the Phoenix Suns received when they traded the 16-time All-Star last offseason.

In fact, one executive told Deveney that the Rockets would be lucky to get more than a first-round pick.

“They could get a first-round pick for him, probably,” one NBA executive said. “Not a lot more, though, not like what Phoenix got. He’s not just a guy who gives you 26 points; all the other stuff makes it more complicated with him.”

The Rockets acquired Durant from the Suns in a seven-team trade. As part of the deal, Phoenix received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden and two second-round picks.

Despite turning 38 later this month, Durant remains one of the NBA’s best players. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors last season after averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 78 games.

You might expect a player that productive to have a higher trade value. Durant’s age doesn’t help. Neither does the controversy surrounding allegations that he used a burner account to criticize his Rockets teammates.

Durant is also on a big contract. He has two years remaining on his current deal. He’ll make $43.9 million in 2026-27, and he has a $46.1 million player option for 2027-28.

Those factors could make Durant more gettable than you’d think.

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Are there even rumors tying the Celtics to Kevin Durant?

Contrary to what some Celtics fans believe, no, there’s no reason to believe Durant will be traded to the Celtics anytime soon.

However, the Celtics have shown interest in Durant in the past.

In 2022, for example, the Celtics reportedly engaged in talks with the Brooklyn Nets when Durant requested a trade. More recently, NBA insider Kevin O’Connor reported there were “rumblings” that Durant wanted to land with the Celtics or Knicks at the 2025 trade deadline.

It’s unclear if the Celtics would be interested in adding Durant at this stage of his career, or if Durant would be interested in going to Boston. It’s also unclear if the Rockets would even entertain offers for the two-time champion.

If Houston does make Durant available, however, the Celtics now have a better idea of what it might take to pry him away from the Rockets.

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