How Kevin Durant's trade to Rockets reshapes NBA trade market

C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News on Jun 23, 2025

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NEW YORK — The Houston Rockets just became a problem after acquiring 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The balance of power in the NBA has shifted once again.

The trade positions the Rockets as a major contender on paper, with their NBA title odds improving to +850, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, according to CBS Sports. Houston was already a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with 52 wins last season.

The Rockets traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this week’s draft and five second-round picks to acquire Durant. While parting with a premier young talent like Green may hurt long-term, Durant — who averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field in 62 games last season — gives Houston an immediate chance to contend for a championship.

The success of Houston’s trade could shape league-wide trends. If the Rockets establish themselves as genuine contenders, their low-cost acquisition of Durant may inspire teams to pursue similar deals for aging stars, like LeBron James, Paul George or Jimmy Butler, should they become available.

The Rockets added Durant without sacrificing Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason or Reed Sheppard. Some may argue the Suns were shortchanged, but Durant’s age — he turns 37 in September — factors into the deal’s value.

Still, Phoenix’s return — compared to the Nets’ haul for Durant two years ago — is widely seen as modest at best. This could establish a precedent for other aging stars approaching free agency or on expiring contracts, urging front offices to act cautiously before trading away top young talent.

If Houston struggles, it might deter teams from overspending for short-term wins. Even so, teams who missed out on Durant could be urged to move fast for remaining stars or key role players, given the tight offseason schedule under the new CBA.

For instance, the Miami Heat or Minnesota Timberwolves might shift focus to a star like Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell to improve their roster, though the Cavaliers seem unwilling to trade him at this time.

Meanwhile, teams such as the San Antonio Spurs or Los Angeles Lakers could target Atlanta’s Trae Young to bolster their playmaking — and at a much lower cost than expected.

A quick fix, however, isn’t always the best solution.

The Oklahoma City Thunder cemented their status as the model for patient rebuilds. They prioritized drafting talent, avoided blockbuster star trades and focused on long-term development, a strategy that ultimately paid off with their first championship in franchise history on Sunday.

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