The Kevin Durant era in Phoenix has officially ended. After months of speculation, the Phoenix Suns have completed a blockbuster trade, sending the two-time NBA Finals MVP to the Houston Rockets. In return, the Suns acquire guard Jalen Green, forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round draft selections.
This highly anticipated move signals a significant “reset” for the Phoenix franchise, shifting focus from immediate championship contention built around aging superstars towards rebuilding draft capital and creating future flexibility.
Trade Details Recap
Here’s a breakdown of the assets exchanged in the finalized deal:
Phoenix Suns Receive:
Jalen Green (Guard)
Dillon Brooks (Forward)
Houston’s #10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
Five additional second-round picks (including HOU 2032, BOS 2030, two 2026 picks, and the #59 pick in the current 2025 draft).
Houston Rockets Receive:
Kevin Durant
The trade, which includes Jalen Green’s “poison pill” restriction from his rookie extension, cannot be fully completed until July 6th, potentially leaving a window open for the Suns to involve other teams and further adjust the package.
Why Did the Suns Trade Durant?
Despite Kevin Durant’s status as one of the game’s all-time greats and his continued elite individual production during his time in Phoenix (averaging 26.8 PPG on exceptional shooting splits), the partnership ultimately fell short of championship aspirations. The Suns won just one playoff series with Durant on the roster, and key injuries and a lack of depth plagued the team.
Furthermore, Durant, set to turn 37 later this year, was due a significant contract extension exceeding $120 million, adding to a payroll already straining under the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement’s stringent penalties, particularly the “second apron.” The team also found itself severely depleted of future draft assets due to previous star acquisitions.
For many, including a significant majority of Suns fans (a recent survey indicated 73% regret the initial trade for Durant), the era left the franchise in a worse financial and asset position than before, despite the star power. This trade became a necessary, albeit difficult, pivot to recoup assets and gain flexibility.
Analyzing the Return: Players and Picks
The package received by the Suns is a mix of young talent, proven role players, and crucial draft capital.
Jalen Green: The former No. 2 overall pick brings elite athleticism and scoring punch (career 20.1 PPG). At just 23, he offers significant upside and is seen by some as a potential “younger, healthier version of Bradley Beal.” However, his fit alongside established shooting guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal creates a potential “log jam” in the backcourt, raising questions about roster balance and playing time.
Dillon Brooks: Known for his defensive intensity and “chip on his shoulder” mentality, Brooks provides a needed dose of toughness and perimeter defense. While a polarizing figure, his contract is viewed positively by some analysts as it declines over the next two years, offering valuable financial flexibility compared to other high-salary players on the roster.
The #10 Overall Pick: This lottery selection is arguably the most valuable immediate asset. In a draft described as having potential high-upside players available outside the very top, the #10 pick offers a chance to acquire a foundational young piece, potentially filling a positional need like center that the Suns currently lack depth in. Regaining this pick, which the Suns had originally earned but was traded away, is seen as a crucial step in restocking the asset cupboard.
Five Second-Round Picks: While not as valuable as first-rounders, a haul of five second-round selections provides additional ammunition. These picks can be used to draft low-cost depth, target specific players who fall, or be packaged in future trades to facilitate further roster adjustments.
Expert Grades and Reactions
Analyzing the trade immediately is challenging, filled with emotion and uncertainty. However, the initial consensus among analysts providing grades for the deal generally falls in the B- to C+ range, with a few outliers like an ‘A’ grade from one writer excited about the “reset.”
Arguments for grades in the B- or B range often highlight:
The significant volume of assets acquired (two players, six picks total).
The value and potential upside of the #10 draft pick.
The financial flexibility gained, particularly from Brooks’ contract.
The necessary pivot away from a financially constrained situation with limited future assets.
Conversely, arguments for grades in the C+ or C- range express concerns about:
The perceived “underwhelming” quality of the player return, particularly the immediate fit issues with Jalen Green alongside Booker and Beal.
Disappointment in not receiving specific young players from the Rockets roster (like Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, or Cam Whitmore) who might have been viewed as better fits or higher-upside additions.
The continued questions about roster balance, especially the lack of frontcourt depth, created by acquiring two more guards/wings.
What Does This Say About Phoenix’s Vision?
The Kevin Durant trade signals a strategic pivot rather than a clearly defined future vision. It acknowledges that the previous path was unsustainable and the high-stakes gamble didn’t pay off with a championship.
The immediate vision appears to be one of rebuilding flexibility and assets. The Suns now have more draft capital than they have in years and some contracts that offer different levels of flexibility (Brooks declining, Green’s contract status). However, the current roster, particularly the crowded backcourt featuring Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Jalen Green, is likely not the final form.
The success of this trade hinges entirely on subsequent moves the Suns make. How they utilize the #10 pick, whether they can consolidate some of the backcourt talent for players who better fit positional needs (like a starting point guard, power forward, or center), and how they navigate the financial landscape moving forward will ultimately determine if this “reset” leads to a brighter future.
The trade provides necessary tools – young potential, valuable picks, and some contract flexibility – but the execution of the next steps will reveal the true vision for the Phoenix Suns post-Durant.
What grade do you give the Suns for this transaction? And why?
