The Phoenix Suns were truly expected to trade Hall of Fame forward Kevin Durant sooner rather than later. Now, after months of speculation, they’ve finally pulled the trigger on a deal. In what’s the first offseason blockbuster, Phoenix has shipped Durant to the Houston Rockets, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania. The Rockets will send the Suns a package that features Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 No. 10 pick and five second-round picks.
Suns Complete Mega Kevin Durant Trade With Rockets
It’s unclear whether the Suns will keep Green or re-route him to another team at this juncture. Last week, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that they were assessing his trade value. All the same, Green –the 2021 No.2 pick –for now gets the chance to get his career on firm footing in Phoenix.
BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025
Meanwhile, Brooks arrives in the valley to provide the type of perimeter defense that they sorely need. If he can maintain his 3-point efficiency from 2024-25, there’s a genuine possibility that he’ll start on the wing. With the No. 10 pick, they can address myriad positions or simply target the best player available. If their focus is fit, they could seek out a playmaking point guard, 3-and-D wing or an upgrade at center. That being said, there are multiple 2025 NBA Draft prospects that play those roles and are expected to be drafted in the late lottery.
(Update: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix team insider John Gambadoro reports that they won’t trade Green. Instead, he’ll play alongside Suns face of the franchise Devin Booker.).
Houston, We Have No Problem
For those who have been following the Durant saga, it’s somewhat surprising he landed with the Rockets. For months, they’ve sounded wary of adding the 15-time All-Star. However, when Durant gave the Suns a list of three teams that he preferred to be traded to, Houston was on it. That wishlist also affected their leverage in trade negotiations, making it easier for the Rockets to not have to give up the farm.
With that in mind, Houston got Durant for a relative bargain. For all his warts, he remains one of the league’s elite scorers and he’s also a somewhat underrated defender. As a basketball junkie, not just savant, he has the type of work ethic that will only enhance the culture. In fact, he’s the first Hall of Fame player that their young core will have played with. Watching his habits and approach to the game could make them even sharper as a result.
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