After weeks of swirling trade rumors, the saga surrounding Kevin Durant’s future finally ended. On Sunday, the Phoenix Suns officially traded the two-time NBA champion to the Houston Rockets. The deal wraps up a stretch of uncertainty about Durant’s next move, which had kept fans on edge throughout the summer.
The moment the trade was announced couldn’t have been more dramatic. Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest when the news broke. However, KD was far from caught off guard. Rather, the veteran forward appeared genuinely thrilled. Cameras captured Durant sharing the moment with his longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman.
KD and Rich Kleiman were hyped after the trade news was announced 👀🍿
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 22, 2025
(via @Fullcourtpass)pic.twitter.com/zrGFGD6a6q
This trade wasn’t a simple exchange. The Phoenix Suns reportedly held firm in their desire to get maximum value for their superstar forward. And they did. In return for Durant, the Suns landed rising star Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five additional second-round selections.
Durant initially joined the Suns in 2023 via a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets that cost Phoenix four unprotected first-round picks. But despite the hype, Durant’s tenure in Phoenix fell short of expectations. The team failed to make deep playoff runs during his stay. With Sunday’s trade, Durant closes the chapter on what ultimately became a frustrating two-and-a-half-year stint in the Valley.
Magic Johnson Predicts Big Future For Rockets After Kevin Durant Trade
Kevin Durant now heads to Houston, which finished among the Western Conference’s best during the 2024–25 regular season. NBA legend Magic Johnson took to social media to share his excitement about the move.
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“Two-time NBA Champion and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant being traded to Houston will make Rockets one of the favorites in West next season,” Johnson wrote on X.
Even at this later stage of his career, Kevin Durant remains one of the NBA’s most feared scorers. For Durant, this trade represents more than just a fresh start; it’s an opportunity to redefine his legacy with a team ready to contend.
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