Houston, TX – In a seismic move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Houston Rockets have officially acquired 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. The trade, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a significant shift for both franchises as they look to redefine their futures.
The Trade
The Rockets have sent a substantial package to the Phoenix Suns to secure the services of the two-time NBA Finals MVP. The reported details of the trade include:
- Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
- Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five future second-round picks.
The deal is expected to become official on July 6, due to salary cap rules related to Jalen Green’s rookie extension.
Durant’s Arrival in Houston
For the Houston Rockets, the acquisition of Kevin Durant signals a clear “win-now” mentality. The Rockets finished the past season as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, showcasing a promising young core. With Durant, they add one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, providing the elite half-court offense and clutch scoring they reportedly lacked in their playoff run.
Durant, who turns 37 in September, will join an emerging Rockets team featuring rising stars like Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, alongside veteran point guard Fred VanVleet and coach Ime Udoka. Durant’s familiarity with Udoka from their time together in Brooklyn is expected to ease his transition. He is also eligible to sign a two-year, $100+ million extension with the Rockets once the new league year begins.
Suns Enter Rebuild Mode
For the Phoenix Suns, the trade signifies the end of a disappointing two-and-a-half-year era with Kevin Durant. Despite assembling a “Big Three” with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns failed to achieve significant playoff success, even missing the postseason entirely in the most recent campaign despite having one of the league’s highest payrolls.
By trading Durant, the Suns are moving into a clear rebuild phase. They gain a talented young scorer in Jalen Green, a tenacious defender in Dillon Brooks, and valuable draft capital, including a lottery pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft and five future second-round selections. This influx of young talent and picks provides the Suns with flexibility to reshape their roster around Devin Booker.
Reactions and Implications
The trade has generated immense buzz across the league. Durant himself learned of the trade while on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York, reacting positively to the news. Many analysts are calling it a rare win-win situation, with the Rockets gaining a superstar to elevate their contention hopes and the Suns acquiring assets for a much-needed reset.
The move instantly elevates the Rockets’ standing in the competitive Western Conference, positioning them as a serious title contender. For the Suns, it marks a new chapter focused on building for the future after an expensive and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of a championship with their star-studded trio.
