Kevin Durant traded to West contender in blockbuster deal

Durant had been linked to the Rockets multiple times in recent years. The 15-time All-Star played in college at Texas, and Houston was reportedly one of three teams with which he expressed a willingness to sign a contract extension.

The Rockets recently hired one of Durant’s former college teammates in a front-office role, which some felt could help them land Durant.

Charania reports that the Miami Heat were the other finalist in the Durant trade sweepstakes.

Houston went 52-30 this season, which was its second under head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round.

After going 41-41 in Udoka’s first year, the Rockets are trending in the right direction. Alperen Sengun made his first All-Star appearance this year and averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Amen Thompson, who is the same age as Sengun at 22, has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier defensive players. Houston was able to keep most of its young core intact while acquiring Durant, which was the big concern for it.