Massive NBA Trade Sends Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets in Historic Seven-Team Deal

Kevin Durant Joins Houston Rockets in Unprecedented NBA Trade

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Kevin Durant has officially been traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the NBA’s first-ever seven-team trade. The blockbuster deal, finalized after days of intense negotiations and speculation, marks a pivotal moment in league history and signals a dramatic shift in the Western Conference landscape.

The Anatomy of the NBA’s First Seven-Team Trade

What began as a straightforward transaction between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets rapidly evolved into a complex, multi-team arrangement involving the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. This unprecedented deal shattered the previous record for the most franchises involved in a single NBA trade, which stood at six.

The trade’s main component saw Durant, a former MVP and perennial All-Star, move from Phoenix to Houston. In exchange, the Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in last month’s NBA Draft, and five second-round picks to the Suns. The deal also included a flurry of additional player movements, draft picks, and cash considerations:

• Houston Rockets: Acquired Kevin Durant and brought back center Clint Capela (originally drafted by Houston in 2014).
• Phoenix Suns: Received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick (used to select center Khaman Maluach), and five second-round picks.
• Atlanta Hawks: Obtained David Roddy, a second-round pick swap, and cash.
• Brooklyn Nets: Received two second-round picks.
• Golden State Warriors: Added Alex Toohey and Jahmai Mashack.
• Los Angeles Lakers: Acquired Adou Thiero.
• Minnesota Timberwolves: Landed Rocco Zikarsky, two second-round picks, and cash.

The trade was not eligible to be completed until the NBA’s annual moratorium ended, allowing all salary cap requirements and league rules to be satisfied. The finalization on Sunday, July 6, 2025, coincided with the start of the league’s new year, adding further significance to the timing.

Kevin Durant’s Journey: From Phoenix to Houston

Durant’s move to Houston comes after two seasons with the Suns, where he was unable to lead the team to a playoff victory. Despite his age—he will turn 37 before training camp—Durant remains one of the most efficient and reliable scorers in the NBA. Over his two years in Phoenix, he played 75 and 62 games, alleviating concerns about his durability that had lingered since his Brooklyn tenure.

Durant’s arrival in Houston is expected to provide the Rockets with the elite scoring and late-game execution they lacked last season. His veteran leadership will be crucial for a team that finished as the second overall seed in the Western Conference last year but fell short of a championship run.

Houston Rockets: Aiming for a Championship Push

The acquisition of Durant signals the Rockets’ intention to contend for an NBA title. By pairing Durant with emerging stars and solidifying their frontcourt with the return of Clint Capela, Houston has positioned itself as a formidable force in the West. Capela, who spent his first six NBA seasons with Houston before five years in Atlanta, adds valuable depth behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams at center.

The Rockets’ bold move is reminiscent of past superteam formations in the NBA, where franchises have mortgaged future assets to acquire established stars in pursuit of immediate success. Houston’s front office, led by aggressive management, has demonstrated a willingness to take risks to break through the competitive Western Conference.

Phoenix Suns: Rebuilding and Reloading

For the Suns, trading Durant marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter focused on youth and flexibility. By acquiring Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, Phoenix gains two talented wings who can contribute immediately, along with a coveted top-10 draft pick and a haul of second-round selections.

The Suns utilized the 10th pick from Houston to select Khaman Maluach, a promising center, and maneuvered their new assets to secure additional draft capital. Phoenix ultimately used the first pick of the second round (31st overall) to select Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming and the 41st pick to draft guard Koby Brea. This infusion of young talent provides the Suns with options for both development and future trades.

However, the addition of Green and Brooks creates a crowded rotation on the wing, especially with established players like Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Roy O’Neale still on the roster. The Suns may face further roster decisions, particularly regarding Bradley Beal, whose contract and trade clauses complicate Phoenix’s salary cap situation.

Economic Impact and Leaguewide Ramifications

The magnitude of this seven-team trade extends beyond the basketball court, carrying significant economic implications for the franchises involved and the NBA as a whole. Superstar trades generate increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and national media attention, particularly when a player of Durant’s stature changes teams.

Houston, a major media market with a passionate fan base, is poised to benefit from a surge in local and national interest. The Rockets’ games are expected to draw higher television ratings, and Durant’s jersey sales are likely to spike as fans welcome the future Hall of Famer. The move also enhances Houston’s appeal as a destination for future free agents, further strengthening the franchise’s long-term prospects.

For Phoenix, the trade provides financial flexibility and a pathway to rebuild around a younger core. By offloading Durant’s substantial contract and acquiring multiple draft picks, the Suns can strategically manage their salary cap and invest in player development.

Historical Context: How This Trade Compares

Multi-team trades are not new to the NBA, but the scale and complexity of this seven-team deal are unprecedented. The previous record for the largest trade involved six teams, set just last year during Klay Thompson’s move from Golden State to Dallas. However, the Durant trade surpasses that benchmark, involving more players, picks, and moving parts than any prior transaction.

Historically, trades of this magnitude have often signaled broader shifts in the league’s power structure. For example, the 2007 trade that sent Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics and the 2010 deal that brought LeBron James to the Miami Heat each altered the competitive balance and set the stage for new dynasties. Durant’s arrival in Houston could have a similar effect, particularly if the Rockets capitalize on their revamped roster.

Regional Comparisons: Western Conference Arms Race

The Western Conference has long been known for its depth and competitiveness, with multiple franchises vying for supremacy each season. The Rockets’ acquisition of Durant is the latest salvo in an ongoing arms race that has seen teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors make bold moves to enhance their championship prospects.

Compared to recent high-profile trades in the region, such as Denver’s acquisition of Cam Johnson or the Lakers’ addition of Adou Thiero, Houston’s move for Durant stands out for its ambition and immediate impact. The Rockets now boast a blend of veteran leadership and young talent that rivals any contender in the West.

Public Reaction and Future Outlook

The announcement of the Durant trade has generated widespread excitement and debate among fans, analysts, and players. Social media platforms lit up with reactions as the news broke, with many praising Houston’s boldness while others questioned Phoenix’s decision to part with a generational talent.

Durant himself took to social media to reflect on his time in Phoenix and express optimism about his future in Houston, signaling his commitment to helping the Rockets pursue a championship. The coming season promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with the balance of power in the NBA once again up for grabs.

As the dust settles on this historic trade, all eyes will be on Houston to see if the gamble pays off. With Kevin Durant now in a Rockets uniform, the stage is set for a new era in the NBA, one defined by unprecedented deals and the relentless pursuit of basketball glory.