In a move that has sent ripples through the NBA, the Houston Rockets have reportedly acquired 15-time All-Star and two-time champion Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. The blockbuster deal, widely reported by multiple sources including ESPN’s Shams Charania and The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, marks the end of Durant’s tenure in Phoenix after less than three seasons and signals a major shift for both Western Conference teams.
The Reported Trade Details
According to reports, the agreed-upon trade package sending Kevin Durant to Houston includes:
Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Guard Jalen Green, Guard-Forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five future second-round draft picks.
The trade is expected to become official when the new league year begins on July 6.
Rockets Bolster Championship Aspirations
For the Houston Rockets, acquiring a player of Durant’s caliber is a significant step forward. Coming off a successful 2024-25 season where they finished second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record – their best since 2019-20 – the Rockets are aiming to build on their progress. While they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, the team, led by coach Ime Udoka and featuring emerging young talents like Amen Thompson and All-Star Alperen Sengun, appears to be on the rise. Adding Durant, who is recognized as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and has proven championship pedigree, is seen by many as the potential “missing piece” needed to elevate the Rockets into true championship contention next season. The move brings Durant back to the state of Texas, where he played his lone collegiate season for the University of Texas Longhorns.
Suns Pivot Towards a New Era
The trade signals a significant strategic pivot for the Phoenix Suns. Durant’s time in Phoenix, which began in February 2023, reportedly concluded after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign where the team finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs, landing 11th in the competitive Western Conference. Despite boasting one of the league’s highest payrolls and a star trio including Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns did not achieve consistent team success during Durant’s tenure, experiencing varying playoff outcomes and ultimately missing the postseason. Following their disappointing finish, the Suns also parted ways with coach Mike Budenholzer.
In exchange for the 37-year-old Durant, Phoenix receives promising young assets and valuable draft capital. Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, brings a career average of 21.0 points per game. Dillon Brooks, acquired via sign-and-trade in July 2023, added 14.0 points per contest last season. Coupled with the coveted No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft and five future second-round selections, the Suns are accumulating assets to initiate a rebuild or retooling phase.
Durant’s Illustrious Career Continues
Kevin Durant, who will turn 37 in September, remains an elite player even in his 18th NBA season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the Suns in 2024-25, showcasing remarkable efficiency with shooting splits of 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
A future Hall of Famer, Durant’s resume is packed with accolades:
15-time NBA All-Star
2-time NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018 with Golden State Warriors)
2014 Kia NBA MVP
4-time Scoring Champion
One of only eight players in NBA history with over 30,000 career points (ranking 6th all-time in career scoring average at 27.2 PPG).
Highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball history and the first man to win four Olympic gold medals.
Houston will become Durant’s fifth NBA franchise, following stints with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (who drafted him 2nd overall in 2007), Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. He led the Thunder to the Finals in 2012 and won back-to-back championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
Durant is currently entering the final year of his contract, set to earn $54.7 million next season. He will become eligible to sign a two-year contract extension with the Rockets worth up to $122 million once the new league year commences.
Upon hearing the news of the trade report while appearing publicly in New York, Durant reportedly reacted with a smile, stating, “We’re gonna see, man. We’re gonna see.” The basketball world will indeed be watching to see the impact of the superstar’s arrival in Houston.
