Kevin Durant has officially joined the Houston Rockets from the Phoenix Suns in what is now the largest trade deal in NBA history. The seven-team blockbuster, confirmed on Sunday as the league’s new year began, involves 13 players and a slew of future draft picks, eclipsing last year’s six-team trade that sent Klay Thompson to Dallas.
Durant, 36, leaves Phoenix after a brief but impactful stint, having climbed the scoring charts to become the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. The two-time NBA champion and 2014 MVP now heads to Houston to join a team that finished second in the Western Conference last season but exited early in the playoffs.
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end,” Durant wrote on social media. “All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way… Houston, Can’t Wait!”
Houston also re-acquires Swiss center Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks, reuniting with a familiar face. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka welcomed the star with enthusiasm: “His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation. My staff and I are excited to work with him.”
The massive trade saw Phoenix receive a mix of young talent and future assets, including 18-year-old South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green from Houston. Additional reinforcements came in the form of Daeqwon Plowden (Atlanta), Rasheer Fleming (Minnesota), and Koby Brea (Golden State), alongside two future draft picks.
The Atlanta Hawks picked up David Roddy, cash considerations, and a 2031 draft pick swap from Houston. Brooklyn gained two future second-round picks while sending Adou Thiero to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Golden State acquired Australian forward Alex Toohey and guard Jahmai Mashack, while Minnesota received 18-year-old Australian center Rocco Zikarsky and two future picks. The Lakers rounded out the deal by landing Thiero and facilitating several player movements.
Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory reflected on Durant’s departure with gratitude: “One of the greatest to ever play the game, we are grateful for the impact Kevin made on our organization and in our community.”
As Durant begins the next chapter of his storied career, all eyes now turn to Houston, where expectations will soar as the Rockets aim for a deeper playoff run with one of the NBA’s most legendary players in their ranks.
