In a stunning move, the Phoenix Suns have traded superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, according to multiple sources from The Athletic.
The Suns are receiving a significant package in return, which includes rising star Jalen Green, experienced forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks.
This marks the first major transaction made by Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory, who took on the role after a front-office overhaul in May.
Following a disappointing season that saw the Suns miss the playoffs despite having the highest payroll in the league, team owner Mat Ishbia has initiated a transformation focused on establishing toughness and resilience within the organization.
For Durant, this trade represents his fifth NBA franchise after previous stints with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns.
Having one year left on his contract worth $54.7 million, Durant is also eligible for a lucrative two-year extension this summer that could be worth up to $122 million.
As the 15-time All-Star approaches his 37th birthday in September, questions surrounding his longevity and impact will be part of the conversation moving forward.
In Houston, Durant is expected to address a critical need for the Rockets, who struggled with offensive consistency throughout the previous season, especially during their playoff run where they were eliminated by the seasoned Golden State Warriors in the first round.
Durant’s three-level scoring ability brings a new dimension to the Rockets’ offense, significantly raising the team’s overall ceiling under head coach Ime Udoka.
With Houston’s recent rebuild, helping create a go-to scorer has been a pivotal area of focus, and with Durant added to the roster, the expectations are high.
His efficient scoring, characterized by an average of 5.7 catch-and-shoot attempts last season at an effective field goal percentage of 66.9% and a three-point shooting accuracy of 45.6%, are set to enhance Houston’s offensive flow.
This versatility allows Udoka to implement creative play designs and establish better rhythm within the offense, potentially alleviating concerns about the lack of reliable outside shooting in previous years.
In recent games, mid range and outside shooting have often been challenge for the Rockets but the addition of Durant allows them the option of pairing him effectively with playmakers like Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet.
For the Suns, the trade indicates a significant pivot in their strategic direction, especially after a turbulent relationship developed between Durant and the team during the previous season.
Durant’s tenure in Phoenix lacked the expected chemistry, particularly with Devin Booker and newly acquired guard Bradley Beal.
During his three seasons with the Suns, the team struggled to define their identity and failed to achieve the anticipated success, winning only one playoff series amid various franchise changes, including a different head coach in each season.
With Green, the Suns gain a 23-year-old guard who averaged 21 points last season and has shown significant improvement throughout his four years in the NBA.
Green’s resilience is highlighted by his ability to play all 82 games over the last two seasons and his recent three-year rookie extension worth $106 million, showcasing the potential for a dynamic backcourt alongside Booker.
However, the influx of guards now creates a crowded situation in the backcourt for Phoenix, which will need to manage the roles of Booker, Green, and other guards in the lineup effectively.
Brooks, a veteran known for his defensive prowess and drive, adds a physical element to the Suns’ roster.
Yet, he comes with a reputation for pushing boundaries, as evidenced by his 19 technical fouls last season, second only to Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The acquisition of the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft further empowers the Suns to reshape their roster, possibly targeting players to fill immediate needs, like centers or forwards, as they continue to build around Booker.
This trade represents an urgent step toward reshaping the Suns’ competitive landscape amid uncertainty and a growing need for on-court viability.
The Suns may not have received what they initially invested when acquiring Durant, but given the team’s recent struggles and looming salary situations, securing younger talent like Green could prove to be a prudent, long-term strategy.
While Durant’s legacy in Phoenix may not be entirely conducive to fond memories, as the Suns will remember his time as plagued by injury and lineup inconsistencies, the hope for Phoenix now is in the reinvention brought by this critical trade.
Owner Ishbia and the new look front office are anticipated to continue working to further refine the team as they look to make the playoffs once again, focusing entirely on building around Booker, who defines the franchise’s trajectory moving forward.
image source from：nytimes
