By Our News Desk |
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Phoenix Suns have reportedly traded Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, to the Houston Rockets. This blockbuster deal is set to significantly reshape the Western Conference landscape.
In exchange for the superstar forward, the Suns will receive a package including promising young talent in Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with valuable future draft assets: the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and five second-round picks. This trade positions the Rockets as strong contenders, bolstering their roster with a proven championship-level player.
Durant, a veteran who has previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and most recently the Phoenix Suns, now embarks on a new chapter with Houston. His arrival is expected to elevate the Rockets' competitive aspirations immediately.
The Suns, on the other hand, appear to be looking towards a rebuilding phase, focusing on integrating young talent and leveraging their newly acquired future draft assets. While the exact timing of the trade's official completion has seen varied reports, the move itself has been confirmed across multiple credible sources, signaling a major shift for both franchises.
A Journey Through the League: Kevin Durant's Trade History
Kevin Durant's career has been marked by a series of high-profile moves, each significantly impacting the NBA landscape. His journey, from a promising young star to a multi-time MVP and champion, has seen him play for five different franchises. Below is a deep dive into his notable transitions:
From Thunder to Warrior: The 2016 Free Agency Decision
While not a trade, Durant's decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder (the franchise that drafted him as the Seattle SuperSonics) in July 2016 as an unrestricted free agent to join the Golden State Warriors was one of the most impactful free-agent signings in NBA history. After losing to the Warriors in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals series, Durant famously joined the team that had just set an NBA record with 73 regular-season wins. This move created a superteam, leading to two NBA championships (2017, 2018) and two Finals MVP awards for Durant.
From Warrior to Net: The 2019 Sign-and-Trade
After three seasons and two championships with the Warriors, Durant left Golden State in July 2019. He joined the Brooklyn Nets in a sign-and-trade deal. The full details involved:
- Nets Acquired: Kevin Durant, a protected 2020 first-round pick (which did not convey and became a 2025 second-round pick from GSW).
- Warriors Acquired: D'Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham.
Durant famously missed his entire first season with the Nets (2019-2020) due to an Achilles injury sustained in the 2019 NBA Finals. He would go on to play for the Nets from 2020-2023, forming a highly anticipated, but ultimately short-lived, "Big Three" with Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
From Net to Sun: The 2023 Trade Deadline Blockbuster
Following a tumultuous period with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant requested a trade during the 2022 offseason, which eventually culminated in a massive deal at the February 2023 NBA trade deadline. This move sent him to the Phoenix Suns:
- Suns Acquired: Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren.
- Nets Acquired: Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029), and a 2028 first-round pick swap option.
The Suns made this move to immediately contend for a championship, pairing Durant with Devin Booker and later, Bradley Beal. However, their tenure together was plagued by injuries and inconsistency, failing to reach the NBA Finals.
From Sun to Rocket: The Latest Chapter (2025)
Now, just over two years after his move to Phoenix, Kevin Durant is on the move again, heading to the Houston Rockets. This trade signals a new direction for both franchises:
- Rockets Acquired: Kevin Durant.
- Suns Acquired: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and five second-round picks.
This latest move highlights Durant's continued desire to compete for championships and the ever-evolving nature of team building in the modern NBA.
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