Kevin Durant commerce: Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets each win; Spurs, Miami lose
Jun 23, 2025 01:08 AM IST
Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for eight gamers in a blockbuster deal
Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for eight gamers in a blockbuster deal, in line with a number of studies on Sunday. Star guard Jalen Inexperienced and swingman Dillon Brooks, in addition to the tenth decide in Wednesday’s NBA Draft and 5 future second-round picks, have been moved to the Suns.
Durant will now be part of palms with a younger Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that completed 52-30, second within the Western Convention behind general NBA chief Oklahoma Metropolis.
Right here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers on this blockbuster deal
Winners
Phoenix Suns: The Suns gained much-needed flexibility by offloading Durant’s contract. With three first-round picks, together with the 2025 No. 10, and eight future second-rounders, proprietor Mat Ishbia can retool a roster that underperformed in latest playoffs. Jalen Inexperienced may change Devin Booker if the latter goes forward with a commerce. Buying and selling Durant, regardless of his elite manufacturing (27.1 PPG in 2024-25), permits a contemporary begin after years of postseason struggles.
Learn Extra: ‘We’ve got to be higher’: Chet Holmgren vows to bounce again for Thunder’s recreation 7 in quest for NBA title
Houston Rockets: The Rockets vaulted into championship competition by including Durant to a rising roster underneath coach Ime Udoka. Durant’s scoring prowess (two-time Finals MVP) enhances Alperen Sengun’s playmaking, making a potent duo. Younger skills like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. will profit from Durant’s veteran presence in high-stakes video games. Houston’s bodily, defense-first model, already a top-10 unit, may dominate the West with Durant’s clutch scoring, positioning them for a deep playoff run.
Losers
Miami Warmth: Miami aggressively pursued Durant to fill the void left by Jimmy Butler’s commerce to Golden State. Pat Riley’s failure to land Durant leaves the Warmth with no celebrity to anchor their roster, forcing a pivot to both lesser commerce targets or a rebuilding 12 months to clear cap area for 2026.
San Antonio Spurs (Victor Wembanyama): The Spurs aimed to pair Durant with Victor Wembanyama, envisioning a mentorship akin to Chris Paul’s position in 2024-25. Durant’s dimension, scoring, and flexibility would have been an ideal mannequin for Wembanyama’s improvement.
