The Houston Rockets are reportedly pursuing a trade for Kevin Durant, but face significant salary cap challenges due to his hefty $55 million contract. To make a deal viable under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Rockets need to send out a substantial amount of salary, estimated at around $35 million. They possess some expiring contracts, including those of Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday totaling $13 million, but more significant assets are required.

Among the Rockets' players, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard are considered the most likely to be part of a trade package. However, the situation is complicated by Houston's desire to retain key players like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, leaving limited options. Houston's approach could include leveraging future draft assets, but these typically do not hold as much weight in salary negotiations. The key question remains if the Rockets are ready to sacrifice young talent for a player of Durant's caliber, given the long-term implications.