Kevin Durant’s journey from championship hopeful to trade commodity tells the story of how quickly things can change in today’s NBA. The Phoenix Suns bet their future on the superstar forward, only to watch their championship window slam shut after just two and a half seasons. Now, as Durant prepares for his third team in four years, the Houston Rockets believe they’ve found the perfect fit for a player who’s still chasing that elusive ring.
Why Did the Suns’ Kevin Durant Experiment Fail So Miserably?
When Phoenix acquired Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected future first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029) and a 2028 pick swap, it was supposed to put the Suns over the top.
The move looked perfect on paper. Durant joining forces with guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should have been enough to help them get over the hump after losing the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 in six games.
Instead, the Suns have had more than their share of struggles since the 2023 deadline deal. The numbers tell a brutal story of decline. Phoenix managed to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in five games in the first round of the playoffs in 2023 but fell to the Denver Nuggets in six games in the second round.
The following season brought false hope as the Suns improved on their 45-37 record from the prior season, going 49-33, but were swept out of the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This past season delivered the final blow. The Suns finished 36-46 and did not even make the NBA’s play-in tournament. That’s a 13-game drop from their previous season and a far cry from championship contention. The organization’s response has been swift and decisive. The Suns have responded by extending Booker, but are currently working on a buyout for Beal. Of course, they have already dealt Durant to the Houston Rockets.
How Will Kevin Durant Fit With the Houston Rockets?
Houston presents a completely different opportunity for Durant. The Rockets had an excellent season, finishing with a record of 52-30 and earning the second seed in the Western Conference. However, they ran into Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors and were bounced in the first round in what was a hard-fought seven-game series.
The Rockets’ window opening up like that had them jump at the chance to acquire Durant, trading for the future Hall-of-Famer in a historic seven-team trade. The Rockets, who also landed center Clint Capela, parted with veteran guard Dillon Brooks and the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, Jalen Green, among other assets.
With Durant’s last two stops in Phoenix and Brooklyn not leading to any hardware, some have questioned what kind of fit Durant will be in Houston. Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone does not believe that will be an issue at all.
“It feels like he fits on any team.”@HoustonRockets GM Rafael Stone describes his expectations for Kevin Durant with @DarthAmin @sarahkustok & @jumpshot8
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“We hope it’s seamless,” Stone explained when asked about Durant’s transition to Houston. “One unique thing I think about Kevin, maybe more so than any player in the last 20 years, is his style of basketball, at least when you envision it – you’re like oh that fits on that team, it fits on that team.”
Durant’s ability to play off the ball was obviously a big selling point for the Rockets. This versatility should mesh perfectly with Houston’s existing core and their style of play.
“It feels like he fits on any team because he’s this terrific two-way player, he’s a terrific scorer but he’s not as ball dominant as a lot of guys are so yeah, we’re very much hoping it’s a seamless fit,” Stone added.
Stone believes the Rockets have the pieces needed for success. It’s just a matter of execution now. “It’s up to Kevin and his teammates and Ime to put it all together.”
The Rockets are obviously hoping they can do just that. After years of rebuilding and developing young talent, Houston finally has a legitimate championship window. Adding Durant to an already competitive roster gives them the star power they need to compete with the Western Conference’s elite teams.
