The Phoenix Suns traded star ahead Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal on Sunday. He realized of the commerce in entrance of a reside viewers.
Durant was amid an interview with Amazon Prime/Turner Sports activities broadcaster Taylor Rooks at Fanatics Fest in New York Metropolis when the information broke. Whether or not the 36-year-old sharpshooter knew in regards to the impending commerce stays unclear, however he appeared stunned.
“We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see,” Durant mentioned when requested of his rapid response to the commerce.
After his on-stage interview with Rooks, Durant advised FanDuel’s Kay Adams, “I am wanting ahead to [joining the Rockets].”
A number of followers booed after listening to the information. They had been doubtless New York Knicks supporters who hoped the crew would purchase the two-time Finals MVP.
The Knicks had been an extended shot to land Durant. Earlier than Phoenix despatched him to Houston, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Durant’s most well-liked touchdown spots had been the Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Warmth.
If the Knicks had acquired him, he might have pushed the crew to the following degree. This previous season, New York reached the Jap Convention Finals for the primary time in 25 years however misplaced to the Indiana Pacers in six video games.
The Rockets gave up a haul for Durant. The deal included guard Jalen Inexperienced, ahead Dillon Brooks, decide No. 10 within the 2025 NBA Draft and 5 second-round picks.
Durant, nevertheless, might be the final piece Houston must turn out to be a bona fide championship contender.
This season, the Rockets went 52-30 within the common season however misplaced to the Golden State Warriors within the first spherical of the playoffs within the Western Convention. Durant, in the meantime, averaged 26.6 factors per sport in 62 regular-season video games with the Suns, the sixth most within the NBA.
