The Houston Rockets are making a significant move by acquiring Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist, from the Phoenix Suns. This blockbuster trade, announced on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the NBA.
In exchange for Durant, the Rockets are giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six future draft picks, which includes their No. 10 pick in this year’s draft. The trade is still awaiting approval from the NBA, according to sources familiar with the agreement.
For weeks, there has been buzz surrounding Durant’s future, with many teams, including the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, showing interest. Ultimately, the Suns opted for the Rockets’ offer.
Fans got the news while Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York, where he reacted happily to the announcement.
Durant expressed excitement about the new chapter in Houston, saying, “We’re gonna see, man. We’re gonna see.”
The Rockets finished second in the Western Conference last season, albeit trailing behind the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. With Durant joining their young roster, they are looking to improve significantly next year.
In this season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, marking his 17th year in the league, not accounting for a year lost to injury. Over his career, he holds an impressive average of 27.2 points and seven rebounds per game.
Returning to Texas is a homecoming of sorts for Durant, who played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before being drafted second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007—a team that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This marks Durant’s fifth team, adding to his history with the SuperSonics, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Suns. He won two championships with the Warriors and recently became the highest-scoring U.S. player in Olympic basketball history.
With his contract dominating headlines, Durant is set to earn approximately $50 million next season before entering free agency in 2026. His exit from the Suns follows a disappointing time in Phoenix, where he struggled to achieve postseason success alongside stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Overall, the Rockets are hopeful that Durant will change the game for their franchise as they aim for greater success in the upcoming season.
