The Houston Rockets have been at the center of the NBA discussion following a truly historic 7-team trade that brought Kevin Durant to Houston. That trade sparked a heated debate amongst Rockets fans as to whether they made the right decision by bringing KD to Houston. The Rockets were on the verge of a title-contending squad last season. The acquisition of Amen Thompson was a masterpiece on the part of the Rockets as he has turned out to be a star player who has tremendous potential for the future. What effect will the KD trade have on the Rockets’ chances for next season?
The KD trade was a bold and historic move for the Houston Rockets
The understanding in the NBA was that Kevin Durant would be on his way out of Phoenix this offseason. Where he would be traded to was up in the air. KD had several teams on a preferred destination list. The Suns were obliged to give him a trade that placed him with one of those preferred teams, but publicly stated that they would take the best deal for the organization.
Nobody could have expected the trade that was to materialize. The Rockets knew that Kevin Durant was not going to be a cheap trade, and came up with a 7-team trade that has made history in the NBA for its complexity. The 7-team trade proposed took a level of negotiations that is unlike anything the NGBA has witnessed before. The deal worked like this:
Houston Rockets receive:
- Kevin Durant
- Clint Capela
Phoenix Suns receive:
- Jalen Green
- Dillon Brooks
- Khaman Maluach (No. 10 overall)
- Rasheer Fleming (No. 31 overall)
- Koby Brea (No. 41 overall)
- Daeqwon Plowden
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2032 second-round pick
Brooklyn Nets receive:
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2030 second-round pick
Golden State Warriors receive:
- Alex Toohey (No. 52 overall)
- Jahmai Mashack (No. 59 overall)
Atlanta Hawks receive:
- David Roddy
- 2031 second-round pick
- Cash
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
- Adou Thiero (No. 36 overall)
- Cash
Minnesota Timberwolves receive:
- Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45 overall)
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2032 second-round pick
- Cash
Rockets fans were split following the historic Kevin Durant trade
SBNation conducted a poll asking fans of the Houston Rockets whether the team should make the Kevin Durant deal a reality, and the fans were split. While KD is a 15-time All-Star and is still one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA at the age of 36, he is entering the twilight of his career and has at best two or three years of playing time left.
The Rockets have had their eye on a title run for a few years now. Head coach Ime Udoka has recently signed a new contract, and the Rockets have re-signed several players, like Steven Adams, in preparation for a deep postseason run next season. By bringing in Kevin Durant, the Rockets have become the team most likely to pose a significant challenge to OKC next season.
Following the blockbuster trade, Ime Udoka had the following to say about working with KD:
“Having played against Kevin and coached him before, I know he’s the type of competitor who fits with what we’ve been building here in Houston. His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation, and my staff and I are excited to work with him.”
Can the Rockets fans come together to support Kevin Durant?
As the preparations for next season are in full swing, and the Summer League is unearthing new talent that has the league’s fans excited for next season, Rockets fans will need to come together to support the new cast of stars led by Kevin Durant. One thing is certain: Kevin Durant will be a phenomenal player for the remainder of his career. And Houston will be hoping that he spends the rest of his days with the Rockets and establishes a new dynasty of winning that Houston has been yearning for.
