The Phoenix Suns have officially traded superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a significant move that reshapes both franchises. In exchange for Durant, the Suns will receive rising star Jalen Green, veteran forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round draft picks, according to sources from The Athletic. This trade marks the first major move for Phoenix's new general manager, Brian Gregory, who was promoted in May as part of a comprehensive front-office overhaul.
After the Suns failed to qualify for the playoffs despite having the highest payroll in the league, owner Mat Ishbia sought to establish a new organizational identity centered around toughness and competitiveness. Durant's departure comes as he prepares to play for his fifth NBA franchise, following stints with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Suns. He has one year remaining on his contract, valued at $54.7 million, and is eligible for a two-year extension that could be worth up to $122 million this summer. As Durant approaches his 37th birthday in September, questions about his future in Phoenix became apparent during the recent trade deadline.
Although the Suns were fighting to reach a .500 record, they explored trading Durant without informing him, a move that did not sit well with the star forward. In the final weeks of the season, Durant seemed to come to terms with his situation. With the team constrained by roster flexibility issues as a second-apron team, trading him became the most viable option for the Suns to reset their strategy.
At first glance, Durant appears to be a perfect fit for a Rockets team that struggled offensively at times last season, particularly in half-court situations—deficiencies that were laid bare by a seasoned Warriors team in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the rebuilding efforts, the Rockets faced challenges due to their lack of a consistent go-to scorer, which has hindered their chances for a deep playoff run. Durant’s renowned three-level scoring ability will undoubtedly elevate Houston's potential and provide head coach Ime Udoka with greater flexibility in his lineup decisions.
One area of criticism regarding the Rockets’ coaching staff has been their lack of creativity in play-calling. However, with Durant—who is well-regarded for his analytical approach to the game—Houston’s offensive execution should see significant improvements. Players like Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet, along with Amen Thompson to a lesser extent, have demonstrated the ability to create plays for others, but the team has consistently struggled with outside shooting. With Durant on the roster, Udoka can avoid having multiple non-shooters on the floor for extended periods, utilizing Durant's scoring prowess in various lineup combinations.
Durant averaged 5.7 catch-and-shoot attempts per game in Phoenix last season, leading the team, with an effective field goal percentage of 66.9 and a three-point shooting efficiency of 45.6 percent. Imagine a pick-and-roll scenario involving VanVleet and Şengün on one side, while Durant positions himself on the opposite side, forcing opposing defenses to make tough choices that could lead to favorable scoring opportunities for Durant.
While questions about Durant’s longevity are inevitable, considering his age and injury history, there is no denying that his elite offensive skills align perfectly with the Rockets' strong defensive capabilities. This combination could create a formidable duo that propels the Rockets into serious title contention. As noted by Rockets staff writer Kelly Iko, this partnership could be a match made in heaven.
Despite the appreciation fans had for Durant's talent, his tenure in Phoenix will not be remembered as a success. The anticipated powerhouse duo of Durant and Devin Booker never materialized, and their chemistry failed to replicate the success they experienced together on Team USA during the gold medal run in Paris. The addition of Bradley Beal prior to the 2023-24 season did little to change the narrative, as Beal struggled with injuries and finding his role on the team. Ultimately, the Suns only won one playoff series during Durant's time, which came against a depleted Los Angeles Clippers team.
In 2024, the Suns were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves and, this season, failed to qualify for the play-in tournament. Additionally, the franchise has experienced a revolving door of coaching changes during Durant’s three seasons, with a different head coach for each season. The Suns are not expected to stop their roster overhaul with this trade; they are likely to explore options to part ways with Beal, although his substantial contract and no-trade clause complicate matters.
As the Suns look to build around Booker, a four-time All-Star and the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, they hope to redefine their identity. Booker has experienced a rollercoaster decade in Phoenix, marked by both remarkable highs and significant lows. He is eligible for a two-year extension worth $150 million this summer. Next season, Booker will play under the guidance of Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach hired this month following an extensive search.
As the NBA landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on how these trades will impact both the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets in their quests for success in the upcoming seasons.
