The Phoenix Suns have finalized a blockbuster trade, sending 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and five second-round picks, according to sources speaking to The Sports Wire on Sunday.
The trade is expected to be officially completed once the NBA’s new league year begins on July 6.
Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York when news of the deal broke. Fans were visibly stunned by the timing of the announcement. Speaking to host Kay Adams shortly after, Durant said:
“Being part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it. Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I’m glad it’s over with.”
Trade Package Breakdown
In return for Durant, the Suns will receive:
- Jalen Green – Houston’s leading scorer last season (21 PPG)
- Dillon Brooks – Elite perimeter defender and improved shooter
- The No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
- Five second-round selections:
- No. 59 pick in this year’s draft
- Two picks in 2026
- One in 2030 (via Boston)
- One in 2032
This move also gives Phoenix a 2025 first-round pick and two experienced starters, helping them shift focus toward a younger, grittier core.
Championship Aspirations in Houston
The addition of Kevin Durant dramatically boosts Houston’s title chances in the Western Conference. He will now play alongside:
- 2025 All-Star Alperen Sengun
- Two-way star Amen Thompson
- Veteran guard Fred VanVleet
Under head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets finished with 52 wins last season. With Durant now in the fold, Houston becomes a legitimate contender.
This move also places Durant with one of his preferred destinations — the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs were the other two teams he had interest in, sources said.
Durant’s Reaction and Fit in Houston
Durant admitted he anticipated a trade to the Rockets but didn’t know when it would be finalized.
“They had a great season last year,” Durant said. “Love their leadership. I felt like I’d be a good addition.”
His relationship with coach Ime Udoka — developed during shared time with Team USA and the Brooklyn Nets — reportedly played a major role in his willingness to join Houston. Udoka recently agreed to a long-term extension, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league.
Durant’s Performance and Impact
Turning 37 in September, Durant remains one of the most efficient scorers in league history:
- Averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games this season
- Maintained shooting splits of 50% FG, 40% 3PT, and led the league in:
- Jump shot accuracy (49.7%)
- Mid-range shooting (53.1%)
- Off-the-dribble jumper efficiency (50.9%) (per GeniusIQ)
By contrast, Houston ranked:
- 27th in effective field goal percentage on off-the-dribble jumpers
- 24th in overall jumper efficiency
- 7th in isolation plays per game, but only 27th in scoring from isolation
Durant directly addresses all of these weaknesses. He led the league in points per direct isolation among players with at least 200 isolation possessions (The Sports Wire Research).
Betting Implications
Following the news, Houston’s championship odds shifted from 18-1 to +850 on The Sports Wire BET, placing them second behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder (+220). Meanwhile, Phoenix’s odds dropped dramatically from 100-1 to 300-1.
Trade Market and Negotiations
Phoenix had reportedly been in active talks with Houston, Miami, and Minnesota, with several other teams — including Toronto, Cleveland, LA Clippers, and Denver — expressing interest. However, Durant’s expiring $54.7 million contract and his eligibility for a two-year extension gave him significant leverage over where he landed.
Durant told Adams:
“They [the Suns] wanted me to go. They got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We can move on. Always remember my time there, but we’re on to something else.”
Though the Heat made multiple offers, they ultimately declined to include key pieces such as Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and draft capital. Similarly, Houston held firm on keeping Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard, which led to the current final deal structure.
New Era in Phoenix
The Suns, who finished a disappointing 36–46 and missed the playoffs despite having the league’s highest payroll, are beginning a full organizational reset:
- Hired Brian Gregory as new GM
- Named Jordan Ott (former Cavaliers assistant) as head coach
- Acquired new draft capital: three first-round picks and eight second-round picks now available for trade
Incoming Suns Players
- Jalen Green:
- Averaged 21 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG
- Shot career-best 35.4% from three
- Played all 82 games in back-to-back seasons
- Made 234 three-pointers this season — most by a Rocket since James Harden (2019–20)
- Dillon Brooks:
- Shot career-best 39.7% from deep
- Ranked third in total defensive matchups against All-Stars
- Represents the “grit-and-grind” mentality Phoenix seeks under owner Mat Ishbia’s new vision
Final Thoughts
Kevin Durant’s short but impactful time in Phoenix ends with a historic trade. His 26.8 PPG as a Sun remains the highest scoring average in franchise history. Now, both Phoenix and Houston enter drastically different phases — one rebuilding with youth and picks, the other chasing a title with a legendary scorer.
