Kevin Durant’s run with the Phoenix Suns has officially come to an end.
The trade that moved Durant to the Houston Rockets became official on Sunday in what ended up being . Shortly after that went through, Durant posted a long goodbye message to the Suns on social media.
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end,” he wrote. “All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remember it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the quick interactions with everybody from support staff to teammates, distant cousins, it’s all a family that I’m grateful to be a part of, no matter what. I truly believe this NBA is one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, can’t wait!”
Durant, who will turn 37 this fall, is now set to play for his fifth team in the league. The 15-time All-Star and four-time scoring champion averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists last season.
Though Durant was clearly the centerpiece of the Suns during his two full seasons there, the team struggled to really get off the ground. Durant, who was traded there by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 season, ended up having three different head coaches in Phoenix. They went just 36-46 last season and missed the playoffs completely, and they were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs in 2024.
Durant has one year left on his current contract, and he’s eligible for a two-year extension next summer. Presumably, as long as that extension gets done, the Rockets will be his final stop in his playing career.
The team appears ready to make a championship push now, too, after making a series of big moves this offseason. They also landed center Clint Capela in Sunday’s trade, who will help back up Alperen Şengün down low. Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. then likely round out the team’s starting lineup with Durant. The Rockets went 52-30 last season and made the playoffs for the first time in five years, though they were knocked out in the opening round.
The Rockets are clearly on the way up as head coach Ime Udoka enters his third season at the helm, and Durant’s presence there can only help in their quest to win what would be their first championship in more than three decades. And as he enters the last stretch of his career, having that opportunity in front of him is about all Durant can ask for.
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