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Kevin Durant Addresses Suns Exit After Historic Trade to Rockets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gautam Varier | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Kevin Durant joined the Phoenix Suns in 2023 via trade from the Brooklyn Nets to much fanfare. The Suns had lost in the NBA Finals in 2021 and had the best record in the league in 2021-22 at 64-18, and Durant was viewed as the piece that would get them over the finish line.

Fast forward to the present, though, and the Durant era in Phoenix has turned out to be a massive disappointment. The Suns didn't even come close to winning a title with the 15-time All-Star, and have now officially traded him to the Houston Rockets as part of an NBA-record seven-team deal.

Durant and the Suns won just one playoff series together and failed to even make the play-in tournament in 2024-25. They finished 11th in the West with a 36-46 record, and a parting of ways was in the best interests of both parties.

While Durant has had a bit of a troubled relationship with Suns fans, he sent out a heartfelt message about his time in Phoenix on Sunday.

"My time in Phoenix has come to an end," Durant 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 a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait!"

My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber 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…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 6, 2025

Durant averaged 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game with the Suns. Those averages weren't good enough to get him his third NBA title, and it will be interesting to see if he accomplishes that goal with the Rockets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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