The Houston Rockets are intimately familiar with Kevin Durant. Rockets coach Ime Udoka played against Durant, coached against him, and was an assistant in Brooklyn during Durant’s All-Star 2020-21 season.

Feb 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee (10) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) watch their team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of a game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Bradley Beal's no-trade clause continues serving as a significant obstacle in Phoenix's pursuit of Butler because, as Gambadoro noted, the Suns are trying to deal the three-time All-Star. In the third season of his five-year, $251 million contract, Beal reportedly has no plans to waive his no-trade clause.