In a move that has rocked the NBA landscape, Kevin Durant is officially on his way to the Houston Rockets. The Phoenix Suns have agreed to trade the former league MVP to Houston in a blockbuster deal just before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, marking a significant shift for both franchises.
As reported by sources close to the situation, Phoenix will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks from Houston in exchange for the 14-time All-Star.
Suns Close the Chapter on the Durant Era
Durant’s tenure in Phoenix was brief and turbulent. Acquired in a high-profile deal with the Brooklyn Nets in early 2023, the Suns had championship hopes. However, despite his strong individual performances, the team failed to make a deep playoff run during his time there and missed the postseason entirely in 2025.
Tensions escalated after it was revealed that the Suns attempted to trade Durant to his former team, the Golden State Warriors, without his consent. Though the move was ultimately blocked, it was a clear indication that the relationship between player and front office had frayed.
Phoenix is now choosing a path of retooling, bringing in young talent and draft capital to reset its competitive window. The departure of Durant signals a transition away from their recent win-now approach.
Houston Aims to Contend
For the Rockets, this deal is a statement of intent. After years of rebuilding and developing their young core, Houston is ready to re-enter the playoff picture in a serious way. Adding Durant to a lineup that already includes promising players like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, and Fred VanVleet could make the Rockets a dangerous team in the Western Conference.
Durant, despite being in the latter stages of his career, remains a top-tier scorer. Last season, he averaged over 26 points per game while also contributing significantly on the boards and as a facilitator. His experience and leadership are expected to elevate the Rockets, who now see a window of opportunity to compete in the near term.
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A Fair Return for Phoenix?
While trading away a generational talent like Durant is never easy, the Suns have recouped significant value. Jalen Green, still only 23, is viewed as a potential future All-Star. Brooks, known for his gritty defense and energy, brings toughness and veteran presence. The additional draft picks provide Phoenix with flexibility to continue reshaping the roster or make further moves.
This package gives the Suns the opportunity to build around Devin Booker with a more balanced and youthful lineup while maintaining the option to pursue future trades or free agency signings.
Why Houston?
Durant reportedly had a limited number of teams he was willing to join, kevin and kevin Houston was among them. Though the Spurs and Heat were also on his shortlist, the Rockets were able to kevin assemble a more appealing offer for Phoenix.
San Antonio balked at Phoenix’s request for top young talent and high draft picks, while Miami hesitated to part with key assets. In the end, Houston struck the right balance between player value and draft capital, securing Durant’s services ahead of what could be one of the most competitive Western Conference seasons in recent memory.
Uncertainty Avoided
Durant’s contract is set to expire after the 2025–26 season, and some potential suitors hesitated due to the uncertainty of a long-term commitment. Houston, however, is believed to be confident in their ability to convince him to stay beyond next season. Their combination of a strong coaching staff, young supporting cast, and now Durant’s leadership could create a team poised for both short- and long-term success.
What’s kevin Next?
With Durant’s future kevin now settled, other teams may begin to kevin accelerate their offseason plans. The move could have ripple effects on the upcoming NBA Draft, as Phoenix now holds a top-10 pick and has increased flexibility. Meanwhile, the Rockets are expected kevin to focus on surrounding Durant with complementary talent and maximizing their new-look lineup.
The trade marks another chapter in Durant’s eventful career, which now includes stints with the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns, and now Rockets. As he approaches his 37th birthday, the focus will shift to whether he can guide Houston back to contention and potentially end his career on a championship note.
