By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kevin Durant is officially headed to Houston Rockets as part of massive 7-team deal that is reportedly the largest in NBA history.
The main component of the deal is the trade that saw Durant go from Phoenix Suns to Houston on June 22, the day of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The future Hall of Famer landed with last season’s second overall seed in the Western Conference in exchange for Green, Brooks, the 10th pick and five second-round picks.
With the trade official, Durant took to X on Sunday to reflect on his time with the Suns and his future with the Rockets:
My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remember 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, 2025.
The Durant deal wasn’t eligible to be completed until Sunday, when the moratorium ended and deals were allowed to be consummated in the NBA’s 2025-26 league year, due to satisfying salary cap requirements. That allowed Phoenix to take those second-round picks from Houston and maneuver in the draft, making a series of deals that wound up spreading them around to a variety of teams.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said: “His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation, and my staff and I are excited to work with him.”
Houston finished second in the Western Conference last season but were knocked out of the play-offs in the first round.
“One of the greatest to ever play the game, we are grateful for the impact Kevin made on our organization and in our community,” Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory said.
“As a member of the Suns, he climbed the scoring charts to become just the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points, and we wish him the best as he continues his career in Houston.”
The Atlanta Hawks, the Brooklyn Nets, the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers are also involved in the deal, which involves 13 players and several future draft picks being exchanged.
Under the deal, Houston get Durant and 31-year-old Swiss centre Clint Capela from Atlanta – he started his career at the Rockets.
From the Rockets, the Suns pick up 18-year-old South Sudanese centre Khaman Maluach, who was the 10th overall pick in June’s NBA draft, as well as forward Dillon Brooks and guard Jalen Green. The Suns also get Atlanta wing Daeqwon Plowden, Minnesota forward Rasheer Fleming and Golden State guard Koby Brea, as well as two future draft picks.
The Hawks, meanwhile, receive David Roddy, cash, and a 2031 draft pick swap from Houston.
Brooklyn obtained two future second-round picks and sent a draft pick, forward Adou Thiero, to the Lakers.
The Warriors obtained Australian forward Alex Toohey, who was initially drafted by the Suns, and guard Jahmai Mashack, the last pick in the draft for the Rockets.
Minnesota landed two future draft picks from the Suns and 18-year-old Australian centre Rocco Zikarsky, a draft pick from the Lakers.