Kevin Durant Traded to Houston Rockets in Blockbuster Deal
In a major NBA trade, Kevin Durant moves from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, ending weeks of speculation and reshaping both teams' futures.
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Overview
- Kevin Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his 17th NBA season with the Suns before the trade.
- The trade includes Durant moving to the Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks.
- Durant's contract is worth approximately $50 million next season, with a final year's salary of $54.7 million before free agency in 2026.
- The Rockets, who had a strong regular season with a 52-30 record, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Warriors.
- The Suns, despite having the highest payroll in the NBA, had a disappointing 36-46 season and missed the playoffs under coach Mike Budenholzer.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Kevin Durant's trade as a significant event, emphasizing its impact on both teams and the player. They express a mix of surprise and analysis, highlighting speculation and player statistics. Implicitly, there's a focus on the trade's implications for team dynamics and future prospects, reflecting a cautious optimism.
"The trade of All-Star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets came as a surprise to many NBA observers – including Durant himself."
USA TODAY"The move brings Durant back to the state of Texas, where he played his one year of college basketball for the Longhorns and was the college player of the year before going as the No. 2 pick in the 2007 draft by Seattle."
Associated Press"The Phoenix Suns are trading forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, according to multiple reports."
NBC News"In Durant, the Rockets are acquiring a proven commodity and an elite, three-level scorer who can knock down shots with ease, particularly late in games."
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Center (4)
FAQ
Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft, and five second-round picks.
Kevin Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the season before the trade, marking his 17th NBA season.
The Houston Rockets had a strong regular season with a 52-30 record but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors.
During Durant's time, the Suns had a disappointing 36-46 season, missed the playoffs, and despite having the highest payroll, they failed to become a contender under coach Mike Budenholzer.
Kevin Durant's contract with the Rockets is worth approximately $50 million next season, with a final year's salary of $54.7 million before he reaches free agency in 2026.
History
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