Kevin Durant is heading to the Houston Rockets in an NBA-record seven-team trade confirmed Sunday, ending his stint with the Phoenix Suns after just over a year.
Houston also reacquires Clint Capela from Atlanta in the blockbuster deal, which involves the Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Lakers alongside Phoenix and Atlanta.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, bid farewell to Phoenix on social media and said he “can’t wait” to join Houston, which will be his fifth NBA team.
Phoenix’s return haul for Durant is headlined by 18-year-old South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 pick in June’s draft, plus Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and several players from the other clubs, including future draft assets.
Capela, 31, averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds last season and returns to Houston as a backup big man.
Other parts of the complex deal saw Brooklyn ship rookie Adou Thiero to the Lakers, Golden State secure rights to Australian forward Alex Toohey, and Minnesota add 7-foot-3 Australian prospect Rocco Zikarsky.
Durant, who turns 37 in September, began his career with Seattle, moved with the franchise to Oklahoma City, and later starred for Golden State and Brooklyn before joining Phoenix in 2023. The Suns won only one playoff series with him in the fold.
“Having played against Kevin and coached him before, I know he fits with what we’re building,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
