HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets shocked (kinda) the NBA by acquiring 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a bold trade. In the deal, the Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and five second-rounders to Phoenix. The trade becomes official on July 6 when the new league year begins. The grade for the Durant trade already appears overwhelmingly positive for the Rockets.
Kevin Durant To The Rockets: Trade Grades Are In
Durant, who was appearing at Fanatics Fest in New York when the trade broke, now joins a rising Houston team that finished second in the Western Conference with 52 wins.
Houston struggled to generate offense from jump shots. According to GeniusIQ data, the team ranked 24th in effective field goal percentage on jumpers. Durant’s elite scoring directly addresses that weakness.
He remains one of the league’s best isolation scorers and can still create offense efficiently in one-on-one situations.
Houston Gets Its Closer
The Rockets trade grade improves further when considering Durant’s shooting efficiency. Durant averaged 26.6 points per game while shooting over 52%. He led the NBA in points per direct isolation among players with at least 200 isolation possessions.
His jump shooting remains exceptional. He hit nearly 50% of off-the-dribble shots and over 53% of his midrange attempts.
Despite turning 37 in September, Durant is still performing at a superstar level.
What makes this deal even better for Houston is how little they gave up in terms of long-term assets. The Rockets kept most of their valuable first-round picks — including previously acquired Suns picks — and preserved their core of young talent.
They now have a go-to closer in high-pressure moments and an experienced veteran to guide their young players.
Grade: A+
Phoenix Closes the Book on the KD Era
Durant’s stint with the Suns lasted just over two years and delivered limited results. The Suns won only one playoff series during his time in Phoenix, with that coming during his first half-season. The franchise had hoped for more when it acquired Durant from the Nets. But that trade, followed by the addition of Bradley Beal, created a roster that lacked balance and depth.
Now, Phoenix gets a reset. Green brings scoring upside, and his offensive game may flourish next to Devin Booker. Green has never played alongside a ball-dominant creator like Booker and could benefit from a simplified role as a secondary scorer.
Brooks adds defense and toughness. He shot a career-best 39.7% from three this season and defended many of the league’s top stars. His presence aligns with the Suns’ renewed focus on grit and physicality.
While Green and Booker may form an explosive offensive pairing, their combined defensive liabilities remain a concern. Very reminiscent of the Damian Lillard–CJ McCollum tandem on the Trail Blazers.
The Suns also gained the 10th pick in the draft, which could land a promising prospect like Kasparas Jakucionis or Noa Essengue.
With new leadership in place — GM Brian Gregory and head coach Jordan Ott — Phoenix now has three first-round picks and eight seconds available for future trades.
Although they could not match the value they gave up for Durant in 2023, the Suns managed to secure depth and future flexibility.
Grade: B-
A Trade With Long-Term Ripples
This trade signals a major turning point for both franchises. Houston made a decisive move toward championship contention. Phoenix accepted its current limitations and chose to regroup.
The grade for the Durant trade reflects smart maneuvering by the Rockets’ front office and measured realism by the Suns.
Houston gains a top scorer who fits their system perfectly. Phoenix builds for the future with younger, more tradeable pieces. Only time will reveal the true winner of this blockbuster, but early signs point to a Houston team ready to compete right away.
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