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Kevin Durant is on his way to Houston Rockets, but if you wonder why it took so long, it is reportedly due to a historic, seven-team trade that shook up many guards.
It’s not just Phoenix Suns and Rockets involved in the deal. Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are all involved in what is NBA’s first ever trade involving seven teams.
Here is what each team receives in the agreement per. ESPN:
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Owner Mat Ishbia, Left, Kevin Durant and General Manager James Jones from The Suns make up for a photo at a press conference at the Footprint Center on February 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
And Sun: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, second round.
And Rockets: Kevin Durant, Clint Capela
And Nets: Two choices in the second round
And Warriors: Alex Toohey, Jahmai Mashack
And Hawks: Second Round Pick Swap, David Roddy, Cash Considerations
And Lakers: Adou Thiero
And Timberwolves: Rocco Zikarsky, two choices in the second round, cash considerations
However, Durant is the obvious crux of this deal as Rockets gets the 15-time all-star at their start five along with a good group of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and peace vanvelet.
South Sudan Native Khaman Maluach has tearful reaction after rockets select him in NBA draft
However, Green and Brooks, two important pieces of a Resugent Rockets team last season (52-30 record at a tough Western conference), are on their way to Phoenix in return.
Phoenix Suns Frem Kevin Durant on the field during the playoffs against Clippers, April 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
But Houston is now expected to be a challenger in the West because of Durant’s arrival. Rockets was a team searching for a real goal scorer, and the four-time scoring champion is one that can deliver it when it’s healthy.
Durant earned the 15th All-Star bid for an average of 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists per Match while shooting 52.7% off the field and 43.0% from beyond the three-point line over 62 regular seasonal matches.
Durant will be 37 years old when his 18th NBA season begins later in the year, but he has consistently shown to be a monster at the offensive end that doesn’t seem to fall down anytime soon.
Phoenix Suns Forward Kevin Durant moves during a game on March 9, 2025 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
The question is whether Rockets can continue to compete with teams like the NBA Finals-winning Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers out into the West.
