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PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Kevin Durant era in Phoenix has officially come to a close.
The Suns are sending the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Jalen Green, forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's draft, and five second-round selections.
The deal marks the first major move for new Suns general manager Brian Gregory, who took over the front office earlier this year.
Despite flashes of elite play, the pairing of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal never clicked. The Suns were swept in the first round last season and missed the playoffs entirely this year, despite holding the league’s most expensive roster.
Durant, 36 in September, now heads to Houston to join a young, defensive-minded team that made the playoffs under head coach Ime Udoka.
With scoring options like Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet already in place, the Rockets hope Durant's shot-making and experience can elevate them into true Western Conference contention.
In return, the Suns are getting two significant rotation pieces and valuable draft capital. Green, a 23-year-old high-flyer, averaged 21 points per game last season and offers a youthful scoring punch.
Though Phoenix now has a crowded backcourt, Green’s upside could pair well with Booker in the long term if roles are clearly defined.
Brooks brings toughness and defense both qualities owner Mat Ishbia has emphasized as central to the Suns' new identity.
The eight-year veteran earned second-team All-Defense honors in 2023 and has never shied away from the spotlight or controversy. He also shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc last season, a career best.
The Suns now hold the 10th and 29th picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, positioning them to add young, affordable talent to a roster that had grown top-heavy and inflexible under the weight of massive contracts.
Durant's time in Phoenix will be remembered as more of a missed opportunity than a triumph. He and Booker never consistently gelled the way many hoped they would, and despite moments of brilliance, the team lacked cohesion and depth.
Still, Durant leaves behind a Hall of Fame resume and a level of professionalism that never wavered, even as trade rumors swirled for months. Houston now becomes his fifth NBA team, and the Rockets are betting big on his ability to lead a playoff push in the twilight of his career.
As for Phoenix, the future remains centered around Booker, who is eligible for a massive contract extension this summer. The Suns are also expected to continue exploring trade options for Beal, though his contract and no-trade clause make any deal difficult.
Phoenix enters the offseason with flexibility it hasn't had in years multiple picks, a retooled roster, and a clear message: The win-now experiment is over.
What comes next will be shaped by how well the front office can draft, develop, and restore the kind of balance championship teams are built on.