How the Rockets’ Lottery Pick Sealed the Kevin Durant Trade
The NBA experienced another seismic shift this week as the Houston Rockets acquired superstar Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. While weeks of intense negotiation preceded the blockbuster deal, reports indicate that the Rockets’ willingness to include their lottery pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft proved to be the pivotal factor that finally pushed the trade across the finish line.
This decision was particularly significant because Houston had firmly resisted Phoenix’s desire to reclaim the 2027 and 2029 first-round selections. These picks, originally sent by the Suns to the Brooklyn Nets in the initial February 2023 Durant trade, had been re-routed to Houston in a separate June 2024 deal with the Nets. With those assets off the table for Phoenix, the lottery pick became the necessary sweetener.
Sources close to the situation reveal that the uncertainty surrounding a potential Durant trade had complicated the Rockets’ draft preparations throughout the spring, making it difficult to schedule workouts with top prospects. For the Suns, receiving a high lottery selection – potentially landing around the 10th spot depending on pre-draft ties and lottery reform – offered the immediate prospect of drafting a player they believe can contribute right away to their retooling efforts. While analysis suggests some prospects in that range might be seen as developmental projects, the opportunity to add new talent was highly valued.
Inside the Durant Trade Negotiations
The finalized trade was the culmination of extensive discussions between the two franchises that spanned weeks. Though talks had reportedly cooled for about a week, they reignited shortly before the deal was struck. Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone held firm on protecting the majority of his young core, successfully keeping players like Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason out of the package.
Efforts were reportedly made to involve other teams in a potential multi-team deal, adding complexity to the landscape. Reports circulated suggesting teams like the Toronto Raptors, holding the No. 9 pick, were open to trading their selection potentially for Durant or acting as facilitators. The Brooklyn Nets were also discussed as a team with cap space willing to absorb salary and potentially include players like Nic Claxton to help orchestrate a deal, seeking significant draft compensation in return. However, ultimately, these attempts didn’t gain traction, resulting in a straightforward two-team swap between Houston and Phoenix.
Among the young players, Jalen Green became increasingly aware that he could be included in the trade package, despite his preference to remain with the Rockets. He reportedly received notification that he was being dealt approximately an hour before the news broke publicly. This move signals a shift for Houston; while there were previous reports about the Rockets’ reluctance to break up their promising young roster, they eventually embraced the idea of making an “all-in” move for a proven star. Past reports even indicated a prior offer of Smith and Green (without picks) for Durant before the February trade deadline, suggesting the willingness to move some young pieces had existed previously.
Houston’s “Win-Now” Vision and Udoka’s Influence
The prospect of adding a dynamic scorer and accomplished postseason performer like Kevin Durant was viewed as the Rockets’ best available pathway to immediately compete and become a “win-now” team. There’s a strong belief within the organization that the partnership with Durant will extend beyond just the upcoming season, even if a contract extension isn’t finalized in the immediate future.
A significant behind-the-scenes advocate for the Durant acquisition was Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. Having previously coached Durant during their time together in Brooklyn and sharing a close friendship, Udoka reportedly pushed hard for the team to pursue the superstar forward. His influence likely played a key role in the team’s decision to make the decisive move.
The trade, occurring shortly after the NBA Finals concluded and just days before the 2025 NBA Draft and the opening of free agency, positions both teams for immediate action in the offseason.
Impact on the Rockets Roster
The departures of both Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks as part of the Durant trade will necessitate changes to the Rockets’ starting lineup. Jabari Smith Jr., who spent portions of last season in the second unit, is expected to regain a starting spot. Amen Thompson is anticipated to join veteran Fred VanVleet in the backcourt. The Rockets hold a substantial $44.9 million option on VanVleet’s contract for next season, with a decision due within the next week.
For his part, Kevin Durant has already expressed enthusiasm about joining his new team. When asked about the trade at a Fanatics Fest event in New York, Durant commented, “Being part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it… Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I’m glad it’s over with.”
The acquisition of Durant, facilitated by the inclusion of this crucial lottery pick, marks a significant pivot for the Houston Rockets as they aim to accelerate their timeline and contend in the competitive Western Conference.
