The drama at Fanatics Fest in New York reached a fever pitch on Sunday afternoon when NBA superstar Kevin Durant was unexpectedly traded—right as he was on stage being interviewed by Taylor Rooks. The crowd erupted as the news broke in real time.
Durant, who had a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns, is now headed to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal that sends Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and five second-round picks to Phoenix.
Shortly after the trade, Durant was interviewed by Kay Adams at the event and addressed the situation directly, offering a strong message and making it clear that the move benefits everyone involved.
“Being part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it,” Durant said. “I had an idea, but I didn’t know exactly when it was gonna happen... They wanted me to go, so glad they got what they wanted, I got what I wanted, so we can move on. Good luck to them going forward. I’ll always remember my time there, but we’re on to something else.”
Now 36 years old, Kevin Durant remains one of the most effective offensive talents in the NBA. He joins a Houston Rockets team that’s coming off an impressive season, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference before being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
Once the trade is officially finalized on July 6, Durant will have the opportunity to team up with Fred VanVleet, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson—three key players who headline the Rockets’ promising roster.
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns forward
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns forward
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, despite a disappointing year for the Suns, Durant still put up strong numbers, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.