Who Really Won the Kevin Durant Trade? Full Analysis and Winners Revealed

By Edcel Panganiban June 23, 2025 10:54

The Kevin Durant trade between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets has sent shockwaves through the NBA, sparking intense debate about who truly emerged victorious in this blockbuster deal. On June 22, 2025, the Suns sent Durant, a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, to the Rockets in exchange for young talents Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks.

The Trade Breakdown and Context

Durant, now 36 and entering the final year of a four-year, $194.2 million contract, averaged an impressive 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. Despite his elite production, the Suns struggled with injuries and finished 36-46, missing the playoffs. This trade signals Phoenix’s pivot toward a rebuild, shedding Durant’s hefty salary and acquiring multiple assets to restock their roster.

Houston, meanwhile, acquired a proven superstar to pair with their promising young core, including Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet. The Rockets finished 52-30 last season, winning the Southwest Division but were upset in the first round of the playoffs. Adding Durant instantly elevates their championship aspirations, providing elite scoring and veteran leadership.

Winners and Losers

Houston Rockets: The Clear Win?
The Rockets arguably come out ahead by adding a transcendent talent who can still produce at an All-Star level. Durant’s presence transforms Houston into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. NBA insider Brian Windhorst noted that Durant’s desire to control his destination limited his trade market, but landing in Houston suits both parties well. Durant himself expressed satisfaction with the move, stating, “I just felt like, yeah, they wanted me to go so it was just like, I'm glad we both, they got what they wanted and I got what I wanted so we can move on”.

Phoenix Suns: A Strategic Rebuild
While losing Durant is a blow, the Suns secured a package rich in youth and draft capital. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks bring scoring and defensive versatility, while the No. 10 pick and five second-rounders provide future flexibility. Given Durant’s age and contract situation, Phoenix likely recognized that maximizing return now was prudent. However, some analysts argue the Suns could not recoup the full value of what they gave up to acquire Durant initially, as his trade value declined due to his limited preferred destinations and contract length.

Statistical and Analytical Perspective

Durant’s 2024-25 season stats reaffirm his elite status: 26.6 PPG on 52.7% shooting, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His efficiency and scoring ability remain among the league’s best, even approaching age 37. Meanwhile, Jalen Green averaged solid numbers as a young scorer, and Dillon Brooks contributed defensively, but neither matches Durant’s star power. The draft assets could prove valuable long-term but carry inherent uncertainty.

From a team-building standpoint, Houston gains an immediate impact player without sacrificing their entire young core, while Phoenix gains multiple assets to build around and financial flexibility. ESPN’s trade grades and league insiders suggest Houston is the short-term winner, while Phoenix bets on a longer-term rebuild.

Who really won the Kevin Durant trade? It depends on the lens. The Houston Rockets clearly won in the immediate term, acquiring a perennial All-Star to boost their championship hopes. Kevin Durant’s own words underscore mutual satisfaction with the deal’s outcome. The Phoenix Suns, meanwhile, accepted a strategic reset, gaining young talent and draft capital to rebuild after a disappointing season. Given Durant’s age and contract, the Suns’ haul may prove wise long-term, but Houston’s addition of a superstar makes them the instant winners of this blockbuster deal.

This trade epitomizes the NBA’s balancing act between present contention and future potential, with both franchises positioning themselves according to their timelines and ambitions. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the true impact of this trade will become clearer, but for now, Houston holds the upper hand in this high-stakes gamble.