After spending eight games in 2022-23 and the next two full seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, ending a tumultuous tenure with the Western Conference franchise, leaving an 85-60 record behind.
Durant averaged 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 blocks per game with the Suns, shooting 52.7% from the floor, 42.7% from beyond the arc and 84.7% from the free-throw line. At 36, he remains a solid talent in the NBA, which resulted in teams such as the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors showing interest in the two-time NBA champion.
In the end, the Rockets pulled the trigger and added one of the best scorers in league history in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks.
Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Upon his trade, the 2014 NBA MVP told Kay Adams he was happy with the trade, while suggesting Suns fans were too, as they didn't want him on their team anymore.
“I doubt that," Durant said after being told Suns fans were 'heartbroken. "They wanted me to go, so I’m glad they got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We can move on, good luck to them going forward, and I’ll always remember my time there.”
Three days later, he sent a message to "real Suns fans" after one person showed appreciation for his scoring skills on X.
Durant's stint in Phoenix transitioned from promising to a total disappointment after the team failed to advance past the second round of the postseason in the last three years, despite having Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal and being coached by NBA champion coaches such as Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer.
He now joins an up-and-coming team with intriguing young stars and a coach who can lead them to compete for important stuff.