Seven-Team Shockwave: Durant to Rockets, Green to Suns
On July 6, 2025, the NBA witnessed its first-ever seven-team trade, officially sending Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. In return, Phoenix received a significant haul: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, top draft prospect Khaman Maluach (No. 10 pick), Rasheer Fleming (31), Koby Brea (41), Daeqwon Plowden, and future second-round picks (2026 and 2032). Additionally, Houston reacquired veteran center Clint Capela via sign-and-trade.
Why Did Phoenix Trade Durant?
Durant’s tenure in Phoenix (2023–25) featured elite production—averaging 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assistsacross 145 games. He reached the 30,000 career points milestone on February 11, 2025, while playing for Phoenix, becoming just the eighth player in NBA history to do so.
Despite his individual success, the Suns underachieved: 100–89 overall during his tenure, a strong 86–44 when Durant played, but a troubling 11–45 without him. Missing the 2025 playoffs was the final push for a roster reset. General manager Brian Gregory cited the need for a “younger, deeper roster” after years of chasing short-term superteam success.
Durant’s frequent team changes over his career—joining the Warriors, Nets, Suns, and now Rockets—stem from his desire to align with high-level rosters built around complementary stars. His moves have often been about maximizing championship windows rather than staying in one place long-term.
What Jalen Green Brings to Phoenix
At 23 years old, Jalen Green already has four NBA seasons under his belt. Last year, he played all 82 games, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Green’s explosive athleticism, deep shooting range, and ability to score in transition will give Phoenix a new offensive dimension alongside Devin Booker.
He also comes with playoff experience, highlighted by a 38-point performance (including eight three-pointers) in a Rockets first-round win over Golden State in 2025.
Trade Breakdown: Player Stats 2024–25 Season
| Player | From → To | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Suns → Rockets | 72 | 26.8 | 6.3 | 4.6 | 53.2 | 41.1 |
| Jalen Green | Rockets → Suns | 82 | 21.0 | 4.6 | 3.4 | 44.7 | 35.6 |
| Dillon Brooks | Rockets → Suns | 74 | 12.1 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 42.8 | 36.5 |
| Clint Capela | Hawks → Rockets | 68 | 11.2 | 10.3 | 1.1 | 62.1 | N/A |
| Khaman Maluach | Draft (No. 10) → Suns | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Rasheer Fleming | Draft (No. 31) → Suns | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Koby Brea | Draft (No. 41) → Suns | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Daeqwon Plowden | G League → Suns | 14 | 4.2 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 38.0 | 33.3 |
Stats from 2024–25 regular season unless otherwise noted.
Conference Ripple Effects: Who Wins Next Season?
Rockets — All Systems Go for Contention
Houston, already the West’s No. 2 seed last season, adds Durant and Capela to a core featuring Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Fred VanVleet. Durant’s scoring and playoff pedigree could push them into top-tier title contention.
Suns — Recalibrated, Risk-Reward Reload
Phoenix pivots to a youth-led build around Booker and Green. The additions of Brooks and multiple draft picks provide defensive grit and future flexibility. However, oddsmakers project a modest win total (~31.5), signaling that the Suns may face a transitional year before seeing major results.
Who Won the Trade?
- Rockets: Immediate championship contender status with Durant’s arrival.
- Suns: Improved depth, youth, and draft capital for long-term growth, but unlikely to compete for the West’s upper tier in 2025–26.
In the short term, Houston is the clear winner. But in three to five years, Phoenix’s haul could look like a major turning point for their franchise.
