Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion forward, is set to join the Houston Rockets following a major trade from the Phoenix Suns, confirmed by the player on Sunday.
The deal, which will be finalised when the NBA’s new season officially begins in two weeks, sees the 36-year-old move to Houston in exchange for guard Jalen Green, swingman Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft, and five future second-round draft picks, according to reports citing anonymous sources.
The move brings Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medallist and 2014 NBA MVP, to a rising Rockets team led by coach Ime Udoka.
Houston, who finished second in the Western Conference behind Oklahoma City with a 52-30 record last season, will now count on Durant’s experience and star power as they aim to become serious contenders.
Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York when news of the trade broke. Speaking to reporter Kay Adams, he expressed his relief that the deal was done. “Being part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but I’m glad it’s over.”
Phoenix, despite assembling the most expensive roster in NBA history, struggled to a disappointing 36-46 season, finishing 11th in the West. Durant still posted strong individual numbers, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
While terms for the trade have been agreed, league rules prevent the transaction from being officially completed until July, when the NBA’s moratorium on new season moves is lifted.
Durant, who has one year remaining on his $54.7 million contract, is eligible to sign a two-year extension once the trade is finalised. That limited his possible destinations to teams willing to offer him a longer-term deal. The Rockets were one of Durant’s preferred options, along with Miami and San Antonio.
The package heading to Phoenix includes the 59th overall pick in Wednesday’s draft, two selections in 2026, and additional second-round picks in 2030 and 2032, according to ESPN.
In Houston, Durant will link up with emerging talents such as Turkish centre Alperen Sengun and guard Fred VanVleet. His longstanding relationship with Udoka, whom he worked with at Brooklyn and with Team USA, was reportedly a key factor in his decision. “They had a great season last year,” Durant said. “I love their leadership. I think I’ll be a great fit.”
Meanwhile, the Suns strengthen their roster by adding Green, who averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season, to pair alongside All-Star Devin Booker. They also gain Brooks, recognised as one of the NBA’s premier defenders.
Durant first arrived in Phoenix in 2023 following a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that cost the Suns multiple players and four first-round picks. Despite his arrival, Phoenix won only one playoff series during his stint. “I’ll always remember my time there, but now it’s time to move forward,” Durant said.
For the Rockets, Durant represents a chance to end their recent struggles, having missed the playoffs for four straight seasons before returning this year only to lose to Golden State in the first round.
“Being able to decide your future and join a team that values you, I’m excited,” Durant added.
Durant was originally drafted second overall in 2007 by the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
During his time with the Thunder, he won four scoring titles and led the team to the NBA Finals in 2012, where they were defeated by LeBron James’ Miami Heat. Durant won the NBA MVP award in 2014, though his Thunder fell to San Antonio in that year’s Western Conference finals.
After Oklahoma City famously squandered a 3-1 series lead against Golden State in 2016, Durant joined the Warriors as a free agent.
He went on to win back-to-back NBA titles with Golden State in 2017 and 2018. A torn Achilles injury during the 2019 Finals against Toronto led to his departure from the Warriors, after which he joined Brooklyn.
Despite high expectations, Durant’s stint with the Nets never progressed beyond the second round of the playoffs.
