The Rockets reportedly killed a discussed three-team blockbuster that would have sent Kevin Durant to the Pistons, Alperen Sengun to the Celtics, and Jaylen Brown to Houston.
The Houston Rockets reportedly had a chance to enter one of the biggest trade scenarios of the offseason, but ultimately decided against the proposed framework.
MIN
36.5
PTS
25.9
FG%
61.1%
REB
5.5
AS
4.8
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Rockets, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons discussed a three-team blockbuster deal that would have sent Kevin Durant to Detroit, Alperen Sengun to Boston, and Jaylen Brown to Houston.
Various draft picks were also reportedly part of the talks, but the Rockets ultimately killed the deal because they did not want that type of package.
What each team would have received
Under the discussed framework, the Pistons would have landed Durant as a veteran superstar alongside their young core. KD has had interest in playing with Cade Cunningham, per the report.
Boston, meanwhile, would have received Sengun, giving the Celtics a young offensive hub at center. Sengun, 23, averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists for Houston during the 2025-26 regular season while shooting 51.9% from the field.
The Rockets would have received Brown, who was coming off a huge individual season with the Celtics. Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 2025-26, shooting 47.7% from the field.
This offseason, the MVP candidate ultimately ended up with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Houston chose not to move its core
The key reason the deal collapsed appears to be Houston’s reluctance to move forward with a package that involved losing Sengun while reshaping the roster around Brown.
Durant, who spent the 2025-26 season with Houston, remained highly productive, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 52.0% from the field.
Still, the reported framework would have required the Rockets to move away from a frontcourt built around both Durant and Sengun.
Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.