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By Ricardo Sandoval
Contributing Sports Writer
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NBA superstar and 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant is heading to Houston. The Phoenix Suns traded the two-time champion to the Rockets in a massive deal.
More Kevin Durant news: Suns Deal Kevin Durant to Rockets in Massive Blockbuster Trade
The Rockets traded away their young star, Jalen Green, along with Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft, and five second-round picks to the Suns. ESPN's Shams Charania was the first to report, but Durant heard the news from fans at a live event on Sunday.
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While on stage with NBA reporter Taylor Rooks, fans started screaming at Durant, delivering the news to him.
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After fans bombarded Durant with the news, he made a simple comment on the trade.
"We gonna see," Durant said.
The Suns received five second-round picks, including the No. 59 selection in this year's draft, two in 2026, one in 2030 (from Boston) and one in 2032. Although the trade happened on Sunday, it cannot be finalized until July 6. That date also coincides with the time when Durant becomes eligible for an extension.
This summer, Durant is eligible for a two-year extension that would be worth $123.8 million. His current contract runs through the 2025-26 season. Durant wanted to go to a place where he could finish off his career, and the expectation is he will remain in Houston for the next handful of years.
Although Durant is 36 years old, he has shown time and time again that he is still among the best players in the league. The four-time scoring champion is coming off another stellar season, averaging 26.6 points per game, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range in 62 games and 36.5 minutes of action.
This move unquestionably elevates the Rockets into a different tier — not just in the Western Conference, but across the entire NBA. Fresh off a strong season that saw them secure the No. 2 seed out West, Houston now adds an all-time scorer without completely gutting its young core.
Even with Green no longer in the fold, the Rockets managed to hang onto key rising talents like Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore — all of whom took meaningful strides last season. With Durant in the mix, this group has the foundation to contend both now and for years to come.
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