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New York Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Assessing the Suns' return for KD
There will be new basketball leadership in Toronto. What else will the offseason bring? Follow along for the latest. Getty Images Since the season ended, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has promised an organizational makeover, one built around toughness and grit. This is the start. At the 2023 trade deadline, Phoenix had acquired Kevin Durant for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four unprotected future first-round picks. While the Suns didn't come close to matching what they gave up to acquire Durant, this might have been the best they could do under the circumstances. Jalen Green is a high-scoring guard who has improved over his four NBA years. He's explosive, athletic and dependable. He's played all 82 games the past two seasons, and this season averaged a team-best 21 points while shooting a career-best 35.4 percent on 8.1 attempts per game. Last October, Green signed a three-year rookie extension worth $106 million. The obvious issue: The trade gives Phoenix an overflow of guards. Green joins a group that includes Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Booker and Green could give Phoenix a dynamic backcourt if the chemistry is right, something Phoenix battled with Durant. Dillon Brooks is among the league's biggest irritants, a small forward who loves to get inside the heads of opponents. He has the toughness Phoenix seeks, but he often goes too far. His 19 technical fouls this season trailed only the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards. Brooks has two years left on a contract worth $41.1 million. The No. 10 pick positions Phoenix to add a solid rotation player at a position of need, someone like Duke center Khaman Maluach. The Suns also have the 29th pick, so they have an opportunity to change the roster quickly. Joe Camporeale / Imagn At first glance, Kevin Durant looks like a hand-in-glove fit for a Houston Rockets team that struggled offensively at times last season, especially in the halfcourt — deficiencies that were exposed by a veteran Warriors team in the first round of the playoffs. For all the benefits that the rebuild has brought, their lack of a consistent go-to scorer is arguably the biggest thing holding the Rockets back from making a deep playoff run. Durant's three-level efficiency will instantly raise Houston's ceiling and gives head coach Ime Udoka optionality with in-game lineups. One criticism about the Rockets' coaching staff was the lack of creativity in some of its play calling. With Durant, an analytical darling, there should be more rhythm and flow in Houston's execution. Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet (and Amen Thompson to a lesser degree) have the ability to create plays for others, but Houston's lack of outside shooting has been a consistent issue over the years. Now, Udoka doesn't have to put multiple non-shooters on the floor at the same time for extended periods, with the luxury of slotting Durant into any five-man pairing. According to tracking, Durant averaged 5.7 catch-and-shoot attempts last season, which led the team. His effective field goal percentage (66.9) and three-point efficiency (45.6 percent) also led the team. Envision a VanVleet/Şengün pick-and-roll on the weak side with Durant waiting in the opposite slot. Questions about Durant's longevity will naturally arise given his age, injury history and the opening of a title window in Houston. But there's no question that the Rockets' elite defense and Durant's elite offensive arsenal are a match made in heaven, if not extremely close to that. Christian Petersen / Getty Images Kevin Durant's future in the desert became clear at this season's trade deadline. Fighting to reach .500, the underperforming Suns explored trading the superstar without informing him, something Durant did not appreciate. Over the season's final weeks, Durant seemed to accept his fate. With Phoenix lacking roster flexibility as a second-apron team, the Suns needed to reset. Trading him was their best option. This marks the first blockbuster trade for Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory, a former college basketball coach who was promoted to his new role as part of a front-office revamp in May. After the Suns missed the playoffs despite boasting the league's highest payroll, owner Mat Ishbia set out to establish an organizational identity focused on toughness. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources What a way for Kevin Durant to find out the news he had been traded to the Houston Rockets. Christian Petersen / Getty Images Mark L.: Great trade for Houston. They overpaid Brooks and Green is a liability on defense. Only one 1st for Durant and they keep the best pieces of their core long term. They will be a threat to OKC next year if they stay healthy. Femi O.: If the Rockets believe that they are one player away from a title, it's hard to do better than this. It's reminiscent of the Raptors trading for Kawhi even though they didn't know if they would be able to keep him for more than one year. Larry P.: As a Rockets fan I have mixed feelings about this. Excited though to see how the season turns out. Robert G.: This doesn't seem like Houston gave up much for Durant. Drake T.: Strange to think this was the best offer PHX could get for KD. Thomas Shea / Imagn By Doug Haller, Sam Amick and Kelly Iko The Phoenix Suns are trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, team sources told The Athletic. Durant will play for his fifth franchise, following stints with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix. He has one year left on his current contract at $54.7 million, and is eligible this summer for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. The 15-time All-Star turns 37 in September. ESPN first reported the trade. Green, 23, is a 6-foot-4 guard who has averaged 20.1 points per game across four seasons. He averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while shooting 42.3 percent. Brooks, 29, is an eight-year veteran who has averaged 14.2 points throughout his career. He shot a career-best 39.7 percent from 3-point range last season. He is also known as a physical defender and was second-team All-Defense in 2022-23. Read the rest of our story on the trade below. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources The Phoenix Suns have sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a long-rumored trade agreed upon mere hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In exchange, Phoenix will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. Durant, who will soon turn 37, has been on borrowed time in Phoenix since the February trade deadline, when Phoenix and Golden State considered a deal that would have reunited Durant with his former Warriors teammate Steph Curry. This is the second blockbuster trade to be completed this month. Last Sunday, the Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Cole Anthony, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, four first-round picks and a pick swap. Check back here for all the latest reaction on the Durant deal and other moves throughout the NBA's offseason. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources Kirby Lee / Imagn We want to hear from you! Have some opinions about the Kevin Durant trade saga? Send us your thoughts on the Durant trade, or anything else regarding the NBA offseason, via email at live@ We'll feature some of our favorite entries right here on the blog! Christian Petersen / Getty Images The NBA offseason waits for no one, not even the teams competing in the 2025 NBA Finals. We've already seen two big trades: Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Here are the other key dates you must know. Tomorrow : Each team may begin negotiating with upcoming free agents who finished the just-completed season on its roster. : Each team may begin negotiating with upcoming free agents who finished the just-completed season on its roster. Weds. and Thurs.: NBA Draft NBA Draft June 30: Each team may begin negotiating with all other upcoming free agents (beginning at 6 p.m. ET) Each team may begin negotiating with all other upcoming free agents (beginning at 6 p.m. ET) July 5-6, 8: California Classic Summer League (Warriors, Lakers, Heat, Spurs) California Classic Summer League (Warriors, Lakers, Heat, Spurs) July 5, 7-8: Salt Lake City Summer League (Jazz, Grizzlies, Thunder, 76ers) Salt Lake City Summer League (Jazz, Grizzlies, Thunder, 76ers) July 6: Each team may begin signing free agents to contracts (12:01 p.m. ET) Each team may begin signing free agents to contracts (12:01 p.m. ET) July 10-20: Las Vegas Summer League Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images Hello and welcome to The Athletic's ongoing coverage of the NBA offseason, which has begun before this current season officially ended. Hours before the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to do battle in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets completed a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. If that move is any indication, this will be an active offseason. Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest.
New York Times
18 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The latest on the Kevin Durant trade
The Phoenix Suns have sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a long-rumored trade agreed upon mere hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In exchange, Phoenix will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. Durant, who will soon turn 37, has been on borrowed time in Phoenix since the February trade deadline, when Phoenix and Golden State considered a deal that would have reunited Durant with his former Warriors teammate Steph Curry. This is the second blockbuster trade to be completed this month. Last Sunday, the Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Cole Anthony, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, four first-round picks and a pick swap. Check back here for all the latest reaction on the Durant deal and other moves throughout the NBA's offseason. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Insider Reveals Jalen Green's Potential Destinations If Suns-Rockets Trade For Durant Goes Through
NBA Insider Reveals Jalen Green's Potential Destinations If Suns-Rockets Trade For Durant Goes Through originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Houston Rockets have reportedly made a play for Kevin Durant by presenting a package including young stars Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green. Although the trade proposal could be considered enticing for the Phoenix Suns, a rumor suggested that the Suns may not be interested in keeping Green. Advertisement In light of this, NBA insider Jake Weinbach recently revealed that three teams are likely to show an interest in acquiring Green if he is available after the Durant trade. Namely, the Chicago Bulls, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Charlotte Hornets. The notion of pairing Green with Devin Booker hasn't been considered as fruitful for the Suns, particularly since they already rejected the idea of acquiring Green in previous trade rumors. Thus, a trade for Green may see him land on another team immediately after being traded to Phoenix. With this in mind, we take a look at the potential trade proposals each team can make for the Rockets' star and the potential impact it could have going forward. Chicago Bulls Proposed Trade Details Phoenix Suns Receive: Coby White, Zach Collins, 2026 first-round pick Chicago Bulls Receive: Jalen Green The Chicago Bulls are a team looking to make some big changes in the offseason. After a disappointing end to their 2024-25 campaign, the Bulls could be looking at restructuring, particularly around their young star, Matas Buzelis. Advertisement Should the Bulls consider a roster overhaul, Green would be the perfect running mate for the forward. At 23 years old, the guard fits the timeline while also being a solid scoring option next to Buzelis. Last season, Green recorded an average of 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on shooting splits of 42.3% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. Given how young he is, there is a lot of room for growth, and forming a young star duo in Chicago could help the Bulls flourish in the coming years. Meanwhile, the Suns do not pass on this deal. Coby White is an extremely reliable point guard who is capable of anchoring the task of being the primary playmaker. At $12.4 million, he is an extremely undervalued contract considering his averages of 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season. Zach Collins is also a great addition for Phoenix, who will require fortification in the frontcourt. Last season, the forward recorded an average of 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Although he won't be in the starting rotation, he could have value off the bench. Advertisement The primary aspect behind these trades is that both players have expiring contracts next season. If they show value, the Suns will enjoy some flexibility with re-signing them. Meanwhile, they will also enjoy having the Bulls' 2026 first-rounder to build up their war chest of picks. Brooklyn Nets Proposed Trade Details Phoenix Suns Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Ziaire Williams, Noah Clowney, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (LAL) Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jalen Green Facilitating a trade with the Nets in mind is more of an issue, primarily because most of their best players are heading into free agency. It is unlikely for the Nets to give up Nic Claxton or Cam Johnson in this trade, given that they are linked to other teams as well. Thus, Brooklyn would need to structure a sign-and-trade with D'Angelo Russell to acquire Jalen Green. Advertisement Green's addition could do wonders for Brooklyn's backcourt. They are a young team with a lot of talent, particularly in the backcourt if they re-sign Cam Thomas in the offseason. The pair of Thomas and Green could be a nightmare for opposing defensive sets. The elite shot creation ability would boost Brooklyn's offensive rating, and the overall product would simply be exciting for the fans. All things considered, however, this wouldn't necessarily transform the Nets into a competitive team. Meanwhile, the Suns would add some valuable assets with this trade. The addition of Russell solves Phoenix's need for a playmaker. Last season, Russell recorded an average of 12.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. His pass-first approach and shot-creation skill would make him a valuable addition on a team-friendly contract. Advertisement Ziaire Williams could also be a solid addition for Phoenix. Although acquiring him will require the move to be a sign-and-trade, the Suns could benefit from his addition. Williams is a solid two-way player who averaged 10.0 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. Considering that he also started in a large portion of the games he played last season, he could be valuable in bolstering the Suns' frontcourt rotation. The acquisition of Noah Clowney may also be considered worthwhile for addressing the frontcourt issues. At 6'10" and only 20 years old, Clowney has a lot of growth potential. His averages of 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds could be promising if the Suns opt to develop him into a rotation player. The real prize acquisition for the Suns in this deal will be the draft capital. The 2026 first-rounder will be of particular value when restructuring their roster. The 2027 second-rounder, in this context, may have more value as a trade chip for Phoenix. Charlotte Hornets Proposed Trade Details Phoenix Suns Receive: Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2027 first-round pick Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jalen Green For the Charlotte Hornets, the acquisition of Jalen Green could be a massive advantage. By pairing the talented scorer with their star, LaMelo Ball, the Hornets could boast one of the most gifted backcourt duos in the league. Advertisement The creativity of Ball, when paired with the shot-creation ability of Green, makes for a solid and exciting offensive combo. In addition to this, the team still features a gifted young forward in Brandon Miller and a talented big man in Mark Williams. Overall, Charlotte could have a very potent young core, a project that could yield success in due time as well. Meanwhile, the Suns stand to gain a lot by going through with this trade. The addition of Grant Williams and Josh Green could do wonders for their roster strength. Williams has showcased himself to be a solid 3-and-D player. As a tough defender, the forward would provide much-needed integrity to the Suns' frontcourt. In addition to this, his averages of 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds on 36.5% shooting from beyond the arc make him a reliable passing outlet as well. Green has also showcased a lot of upside as a two-way player. The guard's athleticism and shooting ability yielded great results last season, as he recorded shooting splits of 42.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range. Advertisement Although his statistical averages were rather underwhelming, he could be a key addition to the roster if the Suns choose to give him the minutes. Regardless, both players are on short-term deals, as their contracts expire in two years. In addition to this, Phoenix would also acquire a key 2027 first-rounder from Charlotte. While this would only have value in the draft if the team finishes in the lower rungs of the West, the Suns could still leverage this as part of another deal to acquire a star. Which Trade Idea Is Most Beneficial To The Suns? The Suns' intentions of retooling around Devin Booker set the organization on a much shorter timeline than a rebuilding team. The need to remain competitive while simultaneously working on their roster construction project may see Phoenix have a hard time identifying the most beneficial deal. Advertisement In the context of the aforementioned trades, however, the Suns may benefit most from trading with the Hornets. Charlotte's endless draft reserves and their list of talented players on expiring contracts could be worth targeting if they are to create a complete roster in the near future. Related: NBA Insider Reveals Why Kevin Durant To Rockets Hasn't Been Finalized Yet Amid Other Viable Trade Destinations This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets Still In Sweepstakes For Giannis Antetokounmpo Or Jaylen Brown Even After Kevin Durant Trade
Rockets Still In Sweepstakes For Giannis Antetokounmpo Or Jaylen Brown Even After Kevin Durant Trade originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Rockets completed a trade with the Suns centered around Kevin Durant's arrival in Houston for a trade package revolving around Jalen Green going to Phoenix. The package included Dillon Brooks, the number 10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and five second-round picks. Advertisement The NBA world was shocked to see that the Rockets were able to land Durant in a trade without giving away any coveted assets for the future beyond Jalen Green. The Rockets managed to retain a treasure haul of draft picks and young talent, who they can combine to make a compelling offer for any superstar in the NBA at the moment. According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, they could even make a serious offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown, if they decided to make a superstar duo with Kevin Durant in Houston. Following the trade, O'Connor went on social media after recording an episode on his show about the Kevin Durant trade and then further broke down the Rockets' trade assets if they decide to make another major move. "Say what you want about Kevin Durant's age: He is at worst a top 25 player and at best top 7. Still an elite 3-point shooter. Still an elite isolation creator. Massive acquisition for the Rockets that addresses areas of need. And Houston still has assets to make more moves." "The Rockets still have the following future firsts: Advertisement -2027 Suns -2027 Nets or Rockets (most favorable) -2028 Rockets -2029 Mavs, Suns, or Rockets (two most favorable) -2030 Rockets -2031 Rockets -2032 Rockets That's up to five tradeable firsts (own in 28, 30, 32, one in 27 and 29) plus the option to swap the others. Factor in the youth on the roster, and Houston could get extremely creative targeting more players in trades." "The Rockets still have enough assets to make a compelling offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown or basically whoever they want to target, even after acquiring Kevin Durant." Will The Rockets Make Another Move? Having already given up a potential future star in Jalen Green, the Rockets are unlikely to give up other pieces of their young core just to force a win-now team on Kevin Durant. There are multiple reasons why I believe that the Rockets will not make another superstar trade: Advertisement First, the Rockets had a lot of success with their young core last season, finishing second in the Western Conference. They have potentially found franchise cornerstones in Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Adding another superstar to the roster alongside Kevin Durant would severely hinder the growth of these two. Secondly, Kevin Durant does not have a good history of playing alongside superstars, except when he played for the Warriors, during which time Durant was in his prime and played the best basketball of his career. Unfortunately, that is not the same Durant joining the Rockets. He won the league MVP in 2014 but never won anything beyond that during his time with the Thunder. He reached the Finals in 2012 with James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but never managed to win it all there. We all know about how messy the situation became in Brooklyn with Harden and Kyrie Irving. And now, even the Suns' "super team" has ended in a Durant trade with no team success for him. One cannot blame Durant for the situations in these teams being bad; individually, he is still an All-Star caliber future Hall of Famer. But also needs to understand the situation he is ending up in and the role he is expected to play on the team. Which brings me to my third reason. Advertisement Durant is not joining the Rockets as their new franchise player; he can no longer be expected to carry the load for the Rockets and be the best player on that team, nearing the twilight end of his career. But he is expected to use his experience in crucial Playoff situations and instill a championship culture in the young players by guiding them as a veteran as well. The Rockets forced a Game 7 against the Warriors in this season's Playoffs. They were arguably one superstar player away from handing the Warriors an upset in the first round, as Jalen Green's struggles cost them in the long run. After averaging 20 points per game in the regular season, Green ended up averaging only 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the playoffs. Considering that Durant will likely only have two or three more good years left in his career, they could still decide to trade for either Antetokounmpo or Brown. Potential Trade Packages For Giannis Antetokounmpo And Jaylen Brown If the Rockets decide to move for another superstar, there are several top-tier talents expected to be available for trade discussions in the offseason. Among the potential list of superstars who could get traded this summer, two key names that stand out are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown. Advertisement This is what a potential trade package could look like if the Rockets decide to trade for either of these players: Houston Rockets get: Jaylen Brown Boston Celtics get: Reed Sheppard, Fred VanVleet, and three first-round picks (2028, 2030, and 2032) or Houston Rockets get: Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks get: Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, Jock Landale and two first-round picks (2028, 2030) While Giannis may not be inclined to a move away from the Bucks, Jaylen Brown could be a more realistic target for the Rockets, as the Celtics are reportedly listening to trade offers for him. Related: Suns Insider Claims Bradley Beal's Future Has Been Decided Following Kevin Durant Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grade The Trade: Who Won The Blockbuster Kevin Durant To Rockets Deal?
Grade The Trade: Who Won The Blockbuster Kevin Durant To Rockets Deal? originally appeared on Fadeaway World. In a seismic summer move on June 22, 2025, the Houston Rockets have shed their rebuilding tag and made an all-in gamble for championship glory by acquiring 15-time All-Star, two-time Finals champion Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. At 36, Durant remains one of the NBA's most efficient scorers. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points per game on elite shooting splits (52.7 FG%, 43.0% 3-PT FG). Advertisement Trade Details Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 No. 10 overall pick, 5 second-round picks In return, Phoenix secures a blockbuster haul: promising guard Jalen Green, defensive wing Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in 2025, plus five second-round picks. The trade marks a sharp pivot for both franchises, a 'win-now' thrust for Houston and a strategic reset for a Suns team now flush with young talent and future draft capital. This kind of franchise-defining blockbuster begs the question: Who truly came out on top? Let's dive into it. Houston Rockets: A Houston finally acquires a proven go-to scorer in Kevin Durant without relinquishing their budding core. Core pieces Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and others remain intact, preserving both the team's youth and long-term upside. Advertisement The only major asset lost is the No. 10 pick, a fair price given the transformative impact of a superstar scorer. Durant's scoring efficiency (26.6 PPG on 57 FG%) offers a steady foundation, relieving younger players from having to 'grow into' top-level production. What's more, pairing KD with coach Ime Udoka, who shares a history dating back to Durant's stint in Brooklyn, creates a synergistic reunion that could accelerate offensive chemistry. The front office's clarity (as Rafael Stone explicitly noted, they wouldn't mortgage the future) shows disciplined ambition: shoot for a title without sacrificing long-term footing. Phoenix Suns: B+ The Suns faced a stark reality: trade KD or risk losing him for nothing after next season, especially after his trade request. The haul, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 No. 10 pick, plus five second-rounders, matches a reset strategy, injecting both talent and draft capital. Advertisement Green gives them a high-upside scorer; Brooks brings defensive grit. The pick and seconds bolster their flexibility in either drafting or packaging for other moves. Still, this isn't a windfall. They didn't land multiple rotation-level players, and Green, while talented, isn't yet a star. Grade-wise, this lands at B+, a solid value for a 36-year-old rental, but not enough to call it a massive win. Kevin Durant: A Durant gets a fitting homecoming in Texas, where he can etch another chapter atop his storied resume as a former University of Texas legend. Playing as the lead scorer on a team with high-upside youth reinvigorates him, earning his last career chapters in a championship hunt gives both legacy and motivation. Operationally, this is a dream fit: associating with a coach like Udoka, who elevates his inside-out game, and surrounded by defenders and runners, gives KD the perfect ecosystem to thrive in his twilight years. Grade A is well earned. Jalen Green: B Green arrives in Phoenix away from Houston's growing spotlight, an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to shape his own path. The Suns give him breathing room to refine consistency and defensive discipline, with less pressure than what was mounting in Houston. Advertisement His high pedigree (42-point explosion and franchise playoff record, 38 in Game 2) shows star potential. His time was up in Houston, but it could just be starting in Phoenix. Given the context, a B fits: a fair landing spot for a talented but uneven 23-year-old, especially after Houston effectively pulled support. Now he's theirs to develop, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs, although sharing the ball with Devin Booker could be somewhat of an issue. Ime Udoka: A Udoka's coaching credentials just received a monumental boost. Landing Durant under his leadership gives him a certified offensive centerpiece, transforming Houston from a developmental squad to a championship-bound team. Advertisement Udoka's inside-out offensive system meshes perfectly with KD's game, promising strong results and a potent identity. He also maintains the developmental momentum of younger pieces by blending experience and youth. Coaching both a generational scorer and rising players could elevate his standing as one of the NBA's elite tacticians, hence an A-grade endorsement. Dillon Brooks: C Brooks brings hustle and All-NBA-quality perimeter defense, but comes with baggage. Known for his intensity and trash talk, he energizes, but teams seem not to value him as hard as he plays. His all-around play is solid, though not spectacular; he adds notable defensive value but little offensive upside. Advertisement Still, Houston didn't hold onto him long, which hints at his surplus value in their reshuffle. Brooks might be feeling down that he got traded by both the Grizzlies and Rockets despite being their "enforcer", but that is what comes with the brutal NBA game. Related: BREAKING: Kevin Durant Traded To Houston Rockets In Blockbuster Deal With Suns This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
