Kevin Durant commerce: Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets each win; Spurs, Miami lose

Durant will now be a part of palms with a younger Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that completed 52-30, second within the Western Convention behind total NBA chief Oklahoma Metropolis. 

Right here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers on this blockbuster deal

Winners

Phoenix Suns: The Suns gained much-needed flexibility by offloading Durant’s contract. With three first-round picks, together with the 2025 No. 10, and eight future second-rounders, proprietor Mat Ishbia can retool a roster that underperformed in current playoffs. Jalen Inexperienced might substitute Devin Booker if the latter goes forward with a commerce. Buying and selling Durant, regardless of his elite manufacturing (27.1 PPG in 2024-25), permits a recent begin after years of postseason struggles.

Learn Extra: ‘Now we have to be higher’: Chet Holmgren vows to bounce again for Thunder’s recreation 7 in quest for NBA title

Houston Rockets: The Rockets vaulted into championship competition by including Durant to a rising roster underneath coach Ime Udoka. Durant’s scoring prowess (two-time Finals MVP) enhances Alperen Sengun’s playmaking, making a potent duo. Younger abilities like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. will profit from Durant’s veteran presence in high-stakes video games. Houston’s bodily, defense-first fashion, already a top-10 unit, might dominate the West with Durant’s clutch scoring, positioning them for a deep playoff run.

Losers

Miami Warmth: Miami aggressively pursued Durant to fill the void left by Jimmy Butler’s commerce to Golden State. Pat Riley’s failure to land Durant leaves the Warmth and not using a celebrity to anchor their roster, forcing a pivot to both lesser commerce targets or a rebuilding 12 months to clear cap area for 2026. 

San Antonio Spurs (Victor Wembanyama): The Spurs aimed to pair Durant with Victor Wembanyama, envisioning a mentorship akin to Chris Paul’s position in 2024-25. Durant’s dimension, scoring, and flexibility would have been an ideal mannequin for Wembanyama’s improvement.