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In a monumental shift that has redefined the landscape of the NBA, Kevin Durant is now officially a member of the Houston Rockets. The 15-time All-Star has moved from the Phoenix Suns in what is now being recognized as the largest trade in league history—a headline-making transaction that includes an array of stars, rising talent, draft picks, and cash considerations.
Kevin Durant begins a new chapter in Houston
Durant, who turns 37 this September, will suit up for his fifth NBA franchise. Despite his age, the veteran forward remains one of the most efficient and lethal scorers in the league. Averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the 2024-25 season, Durant led the Suns with a jaw-dropping 66.9% effective field goal percentage. He has shot over 40% from beyond the arc in each of the last three seasons, making him a deadly offensive weapon even as he approaches the twilight of his career.
With one year left on his current deal, Kevin Durant will be eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million next summer—something Houston will likely be keeping a close eye on.
Capela returns to familiar ground
Joining Kevin Durant in Houston is veteran center Clint Capela, who returns to the Rockets via a sign-and-trade after several seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks last season, adding depth and experience to Houston’s frontcourt. He’ll work alongside Steven Adams and back up rising star Alperen Şengün, forming a formidable big-man rotation.
Suns reload with youth and grit
Phoenix, on the other hand, embraced a full-scale retool. The Suns acquired fiery defender Dillon Brooks and emerging scorer Jalen Green. Brooks is known for his defensive intensity and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2023. Green, just 23, averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, proving his reliability by playing all 82 games in the last two seasons.
New GM Brian Gregory also added high-potential big man Khaman Maluach, a 7'1" Duke product from South Sudan, via the No. 10 overall pick. Maluach's 71.2% field goal shooting and defensive upside point to long-term value.
Other teams fill out the mega-deal
The Golden State Warriors received promising young talent in Alex Toohey and Jahmai Mashack, while the Brooklyn Nets collected two future second-round picks. The Atlanta Hawks picked up David Roddy and a second-round swap as compensation for Capela. Meanwhile, the Lakers landed forward Adou Thiero, and Minnesota walked away with center Rocco Zikarsky, two second-rounders, and cash.
A deal for the ages
This transaction eclipses last year’s six-team trade involving Klay Thompson and becomes the largest in NBA history. Only six players from last season’s NBA rosters were part of the deal, while the rest came via draft-day pick trades that finalized on the first day of NBA free agency.
Kevin Durant’s shift to Houston isn’t just a roster move—it’s a seismic event that resets the trajectory for multiple franchises and could shift the power balance in the Western Conference once again.
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