Kevin Durant’s time in Arizona has ended abruptly after a turbulent period. The Phoenix Suns did not taste any postseason success with Durant in the lineup, despite lining up great players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal alongside the two-time NBA champ.
After the Suns missed out on the playoffs this year, reports emerged mentioning that Durant might be looking for a new home. And it seems like he has found it out now, after being traded to the Houston Rockets.
Kevin Durant Reacts to Blockbuster Trade to the Rockets
NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that the Rockets are sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No.10 pick in the NBA Draft, and a staggering five second-round picks to the Suns in exchange for the 15-time All-Star.
BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025
Charania also reported that the Miami Heat and the Rockets were the last two teams standing while holding trade negotiations with the Suns, and ultimately, it was Ime Udoka’s side that came out on top.
Interestingly, Durant’s first reaction to the move was caught on camera while he was on stage at the Fanatics Fest.
Although he looked astonished for a minute or so, Durant kept it simple when Taylor Rooks asked about his reaction. “We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see,” Durant said. He also mentioned that the song that he listens to on gameday is ‘It’s Raining In Houston’ by Drake, a subtle homage to the city he’s moving to.
Kevin Durant’s live reaction to news breaking that he’s been traded to the Houston Rockets: pic.twitter.com/dDOGh425LN
— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) June 22, 2025
Durant will now join an energized and young roster in Houston, which just went toe-to-toe with the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. The main reason why the Rockets are believed to be a better team now lies in Udoka.
The Rockets’ core is filled with both young and veteran leadership. Durant will now boast the championship-winning experience in a locker room that has hungry players like Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Alperen Şengün.
Despite being 36 years old, Durant is still one of the best players in the league. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds this season and shot 52.7% FG. The numbers clearly indicate he still has the ability to lead a team to glory.
That’s what he will be expected to do in Texas now. The Rockets have made a huge gamble on Durant against their future with Green and Brooks, and it will be interesting to see how the superstar performs for the team.