Kevin Durant Joins Houston Rockets in Historic Seven-Team NBA Trade

Kevin Durant has officially joined the Houston Rockets in a record-breaking seven-team trade deal that reshapes the NBA landscape.

Although reports of the deal first surfaced last month, the transaction was confirmed on Sunday with the start of the league’s new calendar year.

In what is now the largest trade in NBA history, the blockbuster move involved 13 players, multiple future draft picks, and the cooperation of seven franchises: the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers. The previous record, involving six teams, was set just last year when Klay Thompson made his move to the Dallas Mavericks.

Durant, 36, departs the Suns after a brief stint and adds another chapter to his storied career. A 15-time All-Star and the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player, Durant won two championships with the Golden State Warriors and boasts four Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

Reflecting on his departure, Durant shared an emotional message on social media:
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end. Every stop in my journey has taught me something new. Behind the scenes, so many people work hard to support us as players — and I’m grateful for that. The NBA truly is one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, I’m ready!”

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka welcomed Durant, praising his passion and professionalism:
“Kevin’s dedication to the game and his remarkable skill set have earned him the respect of an entire generation. We’re thrilled to have him join us in Houston.”

Despite finishing second in the Western Conference last season, Houston bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. The arrival of Durant could be the spark the team needs for a deeper postseason run.

Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory also paid tribute to Durant’s impact:
“Kevin is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. During his time with us, he became only the eighth player in league history to surpass 30,000 career points. We’re thankful for his contributions and wish him the very best in Houston.”

Breakdown of the Seven-Team Trade:

To Houston Rockets:

Kevin Durant (from Phoenix)

Clint Capela (from Atlanta; returns to Houston where he began his NBA career)

To Phoenix Suns:

Khaman Maluach (18-year-old center, 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, from Houston)

Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green (from Houston)

Daeqwon Plowden (from Atlanta)

Rasheer Fleming (from Minnesota)

Koby Brea (from Golden State)

Two future draft picks

To Atlanta Hawks:

David Roddy

Cash considerations

2031 draft pick swap (from Houston)

To Brooklyn Nets:

Two future second-round picks

To Los Angeles Lakers:

Forward Adou Thiero (from Brooklyn)

To Golden State Warriors:

Alex Toohey (Australian forward, originally drafted by Phoenix)

Jahmai Mashack (guard, drafted last by Houston)

To Minnesota Timberwolves:

Two future draft picks (from Phoenix)

Rocco Zikarsky (18-year-old Australian center, from Lakers)