Kevin Durant Heads to Rockets in Historic Seven‑Team Trade

By Yuming Chen

On July 6, 2025, the NBA approved its first seven‑team trade, sending Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. This record‑breaking deal involved six veteran players, 13 draft picks, and financial components, making it the largest multi‑team trade in league history.

Durant joins Houston alongside veteran center Clint Capela. In return, the Rockets parted with guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 draft pick (used to select Khaman Maluach), and several second‑round picks.

The Suns received Green, Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, and multiple future second‑round picks. The Warriors, Lakers, Hawks, Nets, and Timberwolves all secured draft rights, picks, and cash as part of the matching logistics.

Durant, a 15‑time All‑Star and former MVP, averaged 26.6 points per game last season. Houston, which finished second in the Western Conference, expects Durant’s scoring and playoff experience to propel the team into genuine title contention. Rockets coach Ime Udoka and GM Rafael Stone praised Durant’s competitiveness and expect a seamless integration.

Durant remains under contract for the 2025–26 season and can sign a two‑year extension worth up to $122 million.

This trade reshapes the NBA landscape. Houston adds a proven scorer and positions itself among the Western Conference’s top-four contenders. Phoenix embarks on a youth‑focused rebuild, and the other teams involved gained future assets without significantly altering their core. Analysts predict ripple effects on league strategy and roster-building for years to come.