According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, although James Jones officially held the title of Phoenix’s head of basketball operations last February, CEO Josh Bartelstein was actually the one who handled much of the communications with opponents regarding potential Kevin Durant trade talks.
League sources told Amick that the Houston Rockets made a late attempt to acquire Durant before last year’s trade deadline, proposing a package centered around Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
However, Phoenix reportedly wanted Dillon Brooks included in the deal and ultimately opted to postpone serious negotiations until the offseason.
The analyst added that a Rockets source disputed the claim that Smith was ever part of the offer.
Despite the Suns’ strong improvement this season, Amick notes that the organization still faces long-term roster challenges after previously trading away numerous draft picks and pick swaps to acquire Durant and Bradley Beal.
Additionally, Phoenix will continue to carry Bradley Beal’s dead-money cap for several more seasons, a factor expected to limit the team’s financial flexibility going forward.
Suns notes: Highsmith, Ishbia, Brooks, 2027 All-Star Game https://t.co/QyxuKXsPTM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 15, 2026
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