Durant Heads to Rockets in Massive Seven-Team NBA Trade
Blockbuster deal sends shockwaves through the league
In a stunning turn of events, **Kevin Durant** is heading to the Houston Rockets as part of a colossal seven-team trade approved by the NBA on Sunday, reshaping the landscape of several franchises.
Key Development
The Rockets lauded the acquisition. “**Kevin** impacts the game on both ends of the court and is one of the most efficient scorers in the history of basketball,”
said Rockets general manager **Rafael Stone**. “We liked the growth our team showed last season and believe **Kevin’s** skill set will integrate seamlessly.”
The trade, involving Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Minnesota, Golden State, Brooklyn, and the Los Angeles Lakers, includes 13 players. **Jalen Green** and **Dillon Brooks** are going to the Suns, while the Rockets get **Clint Capela** from the Hawks.
Record-Breaking Trade
This seven-team trade surpasses last summer’s six-team transaction that sent **Klay Thompson** to the Dallas Mavericks. Golden State, Charlotte, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Denver were also involved in that trade.
Suns Say Goodbye
**Brian Gregory**, Phoenix’s general manager, acknowledged **Durant’s** contributions: “One of the greatest to ever play the game, we are grateful for the impact **Kevin** made on our organization and in our community.”
He added, “As a member of the Suns, he climbed the scoring charts to become just the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points, and we wish him the best as he continues his career in Houston.”
Draft Implications
The complicated deal also involves at least five second-round draft picks, the potential for a second-round pick swap, and cash considerations for the Hawks and Timberwolves. Some draft picks extend as far as 2032, meaning some future players are not even in high school yet.
Durant’s Career
**Durant** averaged 26.6 points last season, his 17th in the NBA, excluding a year missed due to injury. His career average stands at 27.2 points and seven rebounds per game.
The move marks a return to Texas for **Durant**, who played college basketball for the Longhorns and earned college player of the year honors before being drafted No. 2 overall in 2007 by Seattle.
Fifth Franchise
Houston marks **Durant’s** fifth franchise, including the SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. He secured two NBA titles with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Last summer in Paris, **Durant** became the highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball history and the first men’s player to win four gold medals.
As of 2024, only ten players have won multiple NBA championships, Olympic gold medals, and NBA MVP awards, and **Durant** is one of them (NBA.com).
Accolades
**Durant** is a four-time scoring champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and one of only eight players in NBA history to surpass 30,000 career points.
Coach’s Perspective
**Ime Udoka**, Rockets coach, shared his excitement: “Having played against **Kevin** and coached him before, I know he’s the type of competitor who fits with what we’ve been building here in Houston.”
He continued, “His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation, and my staff and I are excited to work with him.”
Houston is sending **Green** and **Brooks** to Phoenix, along with the rights to **Khaman Maluach** from last month’s draft, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2032 second-rounder. The Hawks are receiving **David Roddy**, cash, and a 2031 second-round pick swap from the Rockets. Brooklyn gains a 2026 second-round pick and another in 2030 from Houston, while the Warriors acquire the rights to **Jahmai Mashack** from last month’s draft.
