Blockbuster: Kevin Durant Traded to Houston Rockets in Stunning Deal
HOUSTON — It’s official: Kevin Durant is headed back to Texas.
In a stunning NBA blockbuster, the Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. The trade marks a major shake-up just days ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft and ends weeks of speculation about Durant’s future.
The Trade Details
According to sources, the Rockets are sending Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six future draft picks — including the No. 10 pick in Wednesday’s first round — to the Suns. The deal is still pending NBA approval and has not yet been officially announced by either team.
ESPN was first to report the move.
Durant’s Reaction
News broke while Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest NYC in New York. When fans began buzzing, Durant smiled knowingly.
“We’re gonna see, man,” he said with a grin. “We’re gonna see.”
Durant was appearing on a panel titled “Global Game Changers” — and that may be the perfect description of what he now represents for Houston’s young, rising squad.
A Massive Boost for Houston
The Rockets are coming off a strong season, finishing second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Adding Durant, who averaged 26.6 points per game this past season, could be the missing piece for a deep playoff push.
Durant, now entering his 18th NBA season (excluding one missed to injury), has career averages of 27.2 points and 7 rebounds. He’s one of just eight players in league history to surpass 30,000 career points, reaching that milestone in February.
Back to Texas Roots
The trade also marks a homecoming of sorts: Durant played his lone college season at the University of Texas, where he was named national player of the year before becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Thunder).
Houston will be Durant’s fifth NBA franchise, following stints with:
- Seattle/Oklahoma City
- Golden State Warriors (where he won two titles and two Finals MVPs)
- Brooklyn Nets
- Phoenix Suns
He also holds the distinction of being the top scorer in U.S. Olympic basketball history, with four gold medals, including most recently at the 2024 Paris Games.
What’s Next
Durant is under contract through the 2025–26 season, with a salary close to $50 million next year. He’ll hit free agency in the summer of 2026.
A Disappointing End in Phoenix
Durant’s time in Phoenix was short and rocky. After being acquired in a massive four-team deal from Brooklyn in 2023 — just days after new owner Mat Ishbia took control of the team — Durant never quite found rhythm with fellow stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The trio struggled to stay healthy and consistent, and playoff success never materialized.
The Suns gave up a lot to get Durant: Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and four first-round picks went to Brooklyn in the deal. Now, just over two seasons later, the Durant era in Phoenix is over — and Houston has landed one of the greatest scorers in basketball history.
At a Glance: Kevin Durant Trade Summary
- To Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant
- To Phoenix Suns: Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, 6 future draft picks (including 2025 No. 10 pick)
- Durant’s Contract: ~$50M next season, free agent in 2026
- Career: 2× NBA Champion, 4× Scoring Champ, 15× All-Star, 4× Olympic Gold Medalist
- Career Points: 30,000+ and counting
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