Houston’s trade for Durant, Saric’s decision make for scary Sunday for Nuggets | Vinny’s take
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) is guarded by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in overtime of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
That was a scary Sunday for the Nuggets.
Houston made its move, acquiring Kevin Durant from Phoenix for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft and five second-round picks, according to an ESPN report.
The Rockets didn’t have to give up the future Suns draft picks they own or any of their most important young players in the deal. That makes the Rockets a true contender next season.
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The Nuggets reportedly were among the other teams vying for Durant’s scoring services alongside the Heat, Timberwolves, Raptors, Cavaliers and Clippers. Denver remains without a general manager and lacks the draft picks to make a truly intriguing offer.
Durant also had some leverage during negotiations, as he’s on an expiring contract and could leave whatever team acquired him after next season. Houston, Miami and San Antonio were Durant’s preferred destinations.
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Denver’s route to contention got more complicated minutes after the trade news broke. Dario Saric opted into his $5.4 million player option for next season, per a report from NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Saric’s deal could go down as the biggest miss during Calvin Booth’s brief tenure as the Nuggets’ general manager. Saric signed via the taxpayer mid-level exception last summer, which was one of Denver’s few resources to add to an already expensive roster.
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Saric didn’t play a second in the playoffs and appeared in just 16 regular-season games, the fewest of his career. His 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game were also career lows. The Croatian forward has reportedly received interest from some European clubs. He could still play abroad if he reached a buyout with the Nuggets. Even if Denver’s able to reduce his cap hit, Saric’s salary on the books is going to make it harder for Denver’s next top executive to field a contending roster next season.
After the trade, Houston joined Oklahoma City as the premier powers in the Western Conference.
Denver’s in a crowded second tier.
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