It was only a matter of time before Kevin Durant got traded this summer, and once again, it was not to the New York Knicks. The Golden State Warriors traded the four-time scoring champion to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, who traded him to the Phoenix Suns in 2023, who traded him to the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
The Knicks have traded for several stars throughout their history, such as Carmelo Anthony in 2011 and Karl-Anthony Towns in 2024. However, they didn't want Durant this offseason despite his interest in them, via Marc Spears.
The 36-year-old trolled Knicks fans at Fanatics Fest after Sunday's trade.
Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3).
Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3).
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
He told the heckling crowd that he doesn't regret not joining New York in 2019 despite the club's interest at the time.
"I'm a Net for life, baby!"
Durant teamed up with Kyrie Irving and James Harden in Brooklyn, but the trio flamed out due to injuries. They never got past the second round of the playoffs, and the team eventually traded all three of them.
Phoenix dealt Durant for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in Wednesday's draft, and five second-rounders on Sunday. The 15-time All-Star joins Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr..
The Rockets were the second seed in the Western Conference this season before losing to the Warriors in seven games during the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Suns will draft in the top 10 for the first time since 2021, assuming they keep their pick.
Durant is scheduled to make $54.7 million in the final year of his contract next season.