VETERAN forward Kevin Durant is heading to Houston following a blockbuster trade agreement between the Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
According to ESPN reporter Shams Charania, the Suns traded Durant to the Rockets in exchange for Filipino-American guard Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the upcoming NBA Rookie Draft, and five second-round picks.
Although both teams have agreed on the player exchange, the trade is expected to be formalized with the opening of the new NBA league year on July 6.
The two-time NBA champion Durant is anticipated to be a significant asset for the Rockets, who finished as the No. 2 seed in the previous NBA season but were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
“It has been a crazy couple of weeks, but I am relieved that it is finally over. I had an inkling, but I was uncertain about the exact timing of it all,” stated the 15-time All-Star at an event.
“They (Suns) wanted me to leave. … They got what they desired, and I got what I wanted,” he added. “We can now move forward, and I wish them the best in the future. I will always cherish my time there, but we are moving on to new opportunities.”
Durant will join veteran Fred VanVleet and the emerging players of the Rockets, including Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, in his new team.
Despite turning 37 years old, Durant has remained productive, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games for the Suns in the last season.
This marks Durant’s fifth team in the NBA, having begun his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder before moving to the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Suns.
Meanwhile, Green is expected to team up with Suns stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, while Brooks is expected to anchor the defense.
In a related development, Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two future second round draft picks./PN
