Durant to Rockets: Suns Blockbuster Trade
- In a major move, the Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
- Durant told John Adams he anticipated a trade to Houston.He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rockets, praising their leadership and his fit with the team.
- The Houston Rockets, who finished second in the Western Conference, are betting that Durant's scoring prowess will elevate them to title contention.
The Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston rockets in a blockbuster deal that shakes up the NBA landscape.This pivotal move sees Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks heading to Phoenix, as the Suns aim to reshape their roster.Durant,who averaged 26.6 points last season, now joins a Rockets team poised to contend for a title. Several teams, including the miami heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, showed interest, but the primarykeyword trade and Durant’s influence sealed the deal. The Rockets’ NBA title odds have dramatically improved. For more updates on this secondarykeyword trade and how it impacts both teams, check out News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for the Rockets and Suns!
Kevin Durant Traded to Rockets; Phoenix Suns Rework Roster
Updated June 23, 2025
In a major move, the Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. The deal sends Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to phoenix as the Suns look to retool their roster after an underwhelming season. Durant, who will turn 37 in September, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 62 games this past season.
Durant told John Adams he anticipated a trade to Houston.He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rockets, praising their leadership and his fit with the team. Durant and Rockets coach Ime Udoka have a history, having worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and USA Basketball.Udoka recently signed a long-term contract extension, solidifying his position as one of the leagueS highest-paid coaches.
The Houston Rockets, who finished second in the Western Conference, are betting that Durant’s scoring prowess will elevate them to title contention. Durant’s ability to create his own shot and his extraordinary jump shooting (49.7% on all jumpers) address key offensive weaknesses for Houston. the Rockets struggled with off-the-dribble jumpers and isolation plays last season, areas where Durant excels.
Following the trade proclamation, Houston’s odds to win the NBA title shifted dramatically, moving from 18-1 to +850, second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder (+220). Meanwhile, the Suns’ odds plummeted from 100-1 to 300-1.
Several teams, including the Miami Heat and minnesota Timberwolves, engaged in discussions with the Suns about acquiring Durant. The Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets also showed interest. However, Durant’s expiring contract and his ability to influence his destination played a meaningful role in the outcome.
“[The Suns] wanted me to go,” Durant told Adams. “Thay got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We can move on, and good luck to them going forward. Always remember my time there, but we’re on to something else.”
Phoenix’s talks with Houston and Miami stalled due to reluctance to part with young players like Jabari Smith Jr., reed Sheppard (Houston), and Kel’el Ware (Miami). The Heat reportedly declined to include Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and draft assets in their offers.
Green,heading to Phoenix,averaged a team-high 21 points for Houston,shooting a career-best 35.4% from 3-point range. Brooks, also joining the Suns, shot 39.7% from beyond the arc and is known for his defensive tenacity.
Durant’s tenure with the Suns, which began in Febuary 2023, saw him average a franchise-best 26.8 points per game. The suns now possess three first-round picks and eight second-round picks available for trade, replenishing assets spent to acquire Durant.
After finishing 11th in the Western Conference, the Suns made organizational changes, hiring Brian Gregory as general manager and Jordan Ott as head coach.
| All-Time | Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 30,571 | 8th |
| Playoff Points | 4,985 | 7th |
| FG | 10,542 | 12th |
| 3-pt FG | 2,191 | 14th |
What’s next
The Rockets will integrate Durant into their lineup, hoping his scoring and experience will propel them to the top of the Western Conference. The Suns will look to green and Brooks to revitalize their roster and build a more competitive team.