In early February, the Phoenix Suns attempted to trade Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors without his knowledge. He eventually got wind of the negotiations and squashed the deal, but the writing was on the wall at that point.

Zach Lowe later clarified that he didn't mean Kevin Durant would end up on the Celtics, but Boston could help facilitate a deal as a third team.

As the Houston Rockets pursue a difference-making scorer to elevate them in the Western Conference hierarchy next season, they appear to be willing to engage the Phoenix Suns in a staring contest about the asking price for Kevin Durant.