In a stunning NBA shake-up, the Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks, sources told ESPN. The deal is expected to be finalized once the league year resets on July 6th.
The Suns will receive Houston’s No. 59 pick this year, two future second-rounders in 2026, one in 2030 via Boston, and another in 2032. Durant, who averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games, now joins a reloaded Rockets squad that includes All-Star Alperen Sengun and rising guard Amen Thompson.
Durant’s wish list reportedly included the Rockets, Heat, and Spurs. His bond with Houston coach Ime Udoka, formed through time with the Nets and Team USA, likely helped seal the move. ESPN reports Udoka recently signed a contract extension, solidifying his role as one of the league’s top-paid coaches.
Houston’s odds of winning it all shifted dramatically after the news, jumping from 18-1 to +850 at ESPN BET. Their analytics were due for a boost, too, ranking near the bottom in shot efficiency, while Durant led the league in isolation scoring and off-the-dribble accuracy.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is focused on retooling. Green brings scoring firepower, while Brooks, a defensive force, fits the franchise’s new culture built on grit. With Durant off the books, the Suns now control a wealth of draft assets and a youthful backcourt pairing of Green with Devin Booker.
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