By: Kwame Bediako
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to trade Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal. The trade includes Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks.
This marks a significant roster shakeup for the Suns, who are aiming to rebuild their identity around toughness and grit under new general manager Brian Gregory, who was promoted in May as part of a front-office overhaul.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star, will be playing for his fifth NBA franchise, having previously stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix. With one year remaining on his current contract at $54.7 million, Durant is also eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million this summer.
At nearly 37 years old, Durant’s move to Houston signals a new chapter for the veteran star, who has been a key figure in the league for over a decade. The trade signals a clear shift for Phoenix, which struggled to reach the playoffs despite its high payroll.
Durant’s future in Phoenix became uncertain after the team explored trading him at the season’s trade deadline without informing him, an approach Durant did not appreciate. With limited roster flexibility due to the team’s financial structure, the Suns saw trading Durant as their best option to reset and rebuild for future success.
For Houston, acquiring Durant is a game-changer. The Rockets, who finished with 52 wins this season under coach Ime Udoka, have long sought a star-level scorer to complement their emerging core. Durant’s ability to score efficiently from all three levels will boost Houston’s offensive ceiling and provide flexibility in lineups.
His exceptional shooting, especially from beyond the arc, will help solve the team’s persistent outside shooting issues, allowing coach Udoka to deploy more creative and effective offensive strategies.
This trade represents a major turning point for both franchises. For Phoenix, it’s a step toward redefinition after a disappointing season. For Houston, it’s an opportunity to contend seriously in the Western Conference by pairing Durant’s offensive prowess with their already strong defence.
