Kevin Durant joined the Houston Rockets from the Phoenix Suns through a record-breaking seven-team NBA trade that involved 13 players and multiple draft picks. The teams finalised the deal as the 2025–26 league year began.
The trade, surpassing last summer’s six-team record, involved the Rockets, Suns, Hawks, Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Lakers, per NBA.com. Houston acquired Kevin Durant, the 2014 MVP, and Clint Capela. The Suns received prospects Khaman Maluach, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and five other players, as well as two draft picks. The Hawks gained David Roddy and a pick swap, while the Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Lakers secured various players and picks. Trading volume reached 41 million shares, reflecting significant market interest.
Kevin Durant, 36, brings with him 15 All-Star selections, two NBA championships, and four Olympic gold medals to Houston. He announced on X, “My time in Phoenix has come to an end.” Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised Durant’s “dedication to his craft.” After a first-round playoff exit in the 2024–25 season, the Houston Rockets are aiming for a deeper playoff run with Durant on the team. Meanwhile, Phoenix celebrated his achievement of reaching the 30,000-point milestone.
My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 6, 2025The trade indicates that teams are preparing for the 2025–26 season, with Houston aiming for a championship, according to CBS Sports. This deal occurs within the context of a $20 billion NBA market and follows Kevin Durant’s brief stint with the Suns.
Durant’s trade, impacting 50 million NBA fans, reshapes the league’s competitive landscape, with Houston’s title odds rising to +800, per FanDuel. The deal, involving 13 players, underscores the NBA’s economic influence, which drives $8 billion in media revenue and sets the stage for a thrilling 2025–26 season.
