The Houston Rockets are set to acquire Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist, from the Phoenix Suns. The agreement was reached on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the deal.
In exchange for Durant, the Rockets are trading Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six future draft picks. This includes the tenth overall pick in the upcoming draft. The source requested anonymity as the deal awaited NBA approval.
The news of Durant's move broke while he was at Fanatics Fest NYC in New York. Durant, who was on stage at the time, reacted with a broad smile when he heard the news. He responded with, "We’re gonna see, man. We’re gonna see."
Durant's arrival is expected to significantly impact the Rockets. Houston finished second in the Western Conference during the regular season. The addition of a two-time champion to their young roster is expected to help them improve next season.
Durant averaged 26.6 points in his 17th NBA season. Throughout his career, the 6-foot-11 forward has averaged 27.2 points and seven rebounds per game.
This move marks Durant's return to Texas, where he played college basketball for the Longhorns. He was named college player of the year before being drafted second overall in 2007. He will be joining his fifth NBA franchise, having previously played for the SuperSonics (later the Oklahoma City Thunder), Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. Durant won championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018. He also holds the record for the highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball history and is the first men’s player to be part of four gold-medal teams.
Durant is a four-time scoring champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and one of eight players in NBA history with over 30,000 career points. He is under contract for the upcoming season.
Durant's departure from the Suns was anticipated, concluding a disappointing 2 1/2 years with the team. Despite playing alongside stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Durant did not experience consistent team success. He was acquired by the Suns in a trade in 2023.
5 Comments
Raphael
Houston is sacrificing a potential dynasty for a late-career, injury prone superstar. Huge failure in the long run.
lettlelenok
I wanted to watch Green and the Rockets grow... this trade ruins the promise.
BuggaBoom
This is the same mistake the Suns made. Durant doesn't fit well, and the Rockets will crumble.
Loubianka
The Suns proved a superteam with Durant doesn't always equate to success. Lessons not learned.
Leonardo
The Rockets are going to be must-watch tv now. Durant will be a huge improvement.