Phoenix Suns Execute Major Trade: Kevin Durant Moves to Houston Rockets
The Phoenix Suns have orchestrated a huge trade deal, sending NBA legend Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star, to the Houston Rockets. In exchange for Durant, the Suns will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks, according to ESPN sources on Sunday. This trade will become official once the new NBA league year kicks off on July 6. The announcement caught fans by surprise as Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest in NYC when the news broke. “Joining the Houston Rockets, I’m excited for this new chapter,” Durant shared with Kay Adams. “It’s been crazy these last few weeks, but I’m happy we reached a conclusion.”
The Suns benefit from acquiring two starters from the Western Conference’s second seed and gaining quite a few valuable draft picks. Among the five second-round picks are this year’s No. 59 selection, two picks in 2026, and one each in 2030 and 2032, with one coming from Boston, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Durant’s move greatly boosts the Rockets’ potential to compete for a championship in the Western Conference. He will join forces with 2025 All-Star Alperen Sengun, rising star Amen Thompson, and seasoned guard Fred VanVleet. Under coach Ime Udoka, Houston achieved 52 wins this season. The deal also sees Durant joining one of his top three preferred teams, along with the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.
Durant mentioned he had an idea about the Rocket’s trade but wasn’t sure about the timing. “The Rockets had an impressive season last year,” Durant noted. “I admire their leadership and feel I’ll make a great addition.” Durant shares a strong connection with Rockets coach Udoka, having worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and USA Basketball. Recently, Udoka secured a lucrative long-term extension, making him among the highest-earning coaches in the league. Approaching his 37th birthday in September, Durant averaged impressive stats last season with 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games. ESPN Research indicates that Durant’s performances have set a streak unmatched in NBA history, consistently scoring at least 25 points with 50% field goal accuracy and 40% on three-pointers in three consecutive seasons.
With Durant, the Rockets acquire a superior jump shooter and creator who fits right into the team’s dynamics. He led the NBA with a 49.7% success rate on jump shots and an outstanding 53.1% on midrange shots. He also led in shooting efficiency for off-the-dribble jumpers at 50.9%, per GeniusIQ. The Rockets stood 27th in effective field goal percentage for these shots and dropped to 24th for all jumpers. Despite ranking seventh in isolation plays, Houston lagged at 27th in direct isolation scoring. In contrast, Durant excels in these areas, topping the league for points scored per direct isolation, as reported by ESPN Research.
Following the trade news, Houston’s odds for clinching the NBA title next season shifted from 18-1 to +850, second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s +220 at ESPN BET. Conversely, the Suns’ odds plummeted from 100-1 to 300-1. Discussions this week saw intense negotiations by the Suns, engaging primarily with the Heat, Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Unanticipated interest also came from the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. Despite Durant being on an expiring $54.7 million contract and eligible for a future two-year extension, he skillfully influenced the market to suit his long-term team interests. “The Suns wished for a change,” Durant revealed to Adams. “Now we each have what we wanted and can move forward. I cherish my time with them, but it’s time for a new chapter.”
Focused talks centered around the Rockets and Heat lately, though neither showed willingness to part with young talents like Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. or Miami’s Kel’el Ware in a Durant swap. Miami ultimately declined to involve Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and the No. 20 pick, alongside other draft assets. Jalen Green, formerly the No. 2 pick in 2021, led with an average of 21 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season, shooting a career-high 35.4% from three-point range and playing all 82 games each year for the past two seasons. His record-breaking 234 three-pointers this season were the most by a Rocket since James Harden in 2019-20. Green now teams up with All-NBA player Devin Booker, forming an impactful backcourt duo.
Dillon Brooks also had a standout season with personal bests, shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc and placing third in total defensive matchups against 2025 All-Stars, as documented by ESPN Research. Brooks’s gritty playing style aligns with the Suns’ newfound philosophy under owner Mat Ishbia, who emphasizes resilience and “toughness.” Durant first joined the Suns in a February 2023 trade deadline deal, maintaining a franchise-high 26.8 scoring average during his time there. Looking ahead, the Suns hold three first-round and eight second-round trade-eligible picks, effectively restoring their asset pool after previously trading four first-rounders for Durant. Finishing this season 36-46 in 11th place in the Western Conference, the Suns possessed the NBA’s highest payroll, prompting organizational shifts like appointing Brian Gregory as general manager and Jordan Ott as the new head coach.