Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets in blockbuster deal
Durant joined Phoenix in 2023 after spending two-and-a-half seasons in Brooklyn. File photo: Reuters
Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for eight players in a blockbuster deal he confirmed.
The swap, which can be completed when the league begins the 2025-26 season in two weeks, would send the 36-year-old forward to Houston in exchange for guard Jalen Green and swingman Dillon Brooks, as well as the 10th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft and five future second-round picks, according to media reports.
The move unites Durant, a four-time Olympic champion with the US squad and the 2014 NBA MVP, with a rising young Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that finished 52-30, second in the Western Conference behind overall NBA leader Oklahoma City.
Durant was appearing on a panel at Fanatics Fest in New York when the news broke and told reporter Kay Adams he was happy with the move.
"Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said. "Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I'm glad it's over with."
The Suns had the highest payroll in NBA history but stumbled to a 36-46 season, finishing 11th in the West, with Durant averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocked shots a game.
Terms can be agreed for NBA moves but cannot be finalised until the moratorium ahead of the new league season ends in July.
Durant has an expiring US$54.7 million contract but would be eligible for a two-year extension after a trade, which narrowed likely suitors to the teams where he would sign a longer-term deal.
The second-round picks in the deal coming to Phoenix include Wednesday's 59th overall selection, two choices in 2026, a 2030 pick and a 2032 selection, ESPN reported. (AFP)
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