Kevin Durant's Star Teammate Shares Sad Reaction to NBA Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 11:53 AM ET

The Houston Rockets made one of the biggest moves of the summer by acquiring 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant in a historic seven-team trade. Houston sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, and four future second-round selections to the Phoenix Suns. The deal also brought back Clint Capela in a sign-and-trade, giving the Rockets a veteran rim protector.

Durant, under contract for $54.7 million in 2025–26, will be eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension, and his acquisition positions the Rockets as one of the league’s powerhouses. While the blockbuster move pushes Houston firmly into contention in the Western Conference, star Rockets center Alperen Sengun expressed what made him unhappy about the trade.

Alperen Sengun Made His Feelings Clear About Kevin Durant Trade

To acquire Durant, the Rockets had to let go of Green, one of the league’s rising stars, who many believed to be a crucial part of Houston’s future plans. And among those who were not pleased to see the 23-year-old guard’s departure was Sengun.

In a recent interview on the Socrates podcast, Sengun was asked about the trade and what it felt like seeing Green exit the team:

"I was sad when he left," Sengun said (h/t HoopsHype). "He was like my brother. I was sad when I got the news. I was very sad—but at the same time, Kevin Durant is coming. Still, Jalen was my brother. I called Jalen right away and told him how I felt."

Sengun revealed he immediately contacted Green after the news broke, telling him, "I hope this trade motivates you even more."

Green was a centerpiece of Houston’s rebuild after being selected second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He played a crucial role in helping the Rockets finish 52-30 last season, earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Throughout his four seasons with the Rockets, Green averaged 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game across 307 regular-season appearances. He also posted 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in seven playoff contests.

Rockets’ Title Window Widens with Kevin Durant

Houston’s championship hopes now rest on the addition of Durant, who remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. Durant averaged 26.6 points per game in 2024-25 and adds immediate star power to a roster that already includes Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet. A two-time Finals MVP during his tenure on the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets will hope to make the most of “the Durant window” and secure their third NBA title.

The Rockets, who managed a 50-win campaign last season, now aim to push even further. With Durant in the fold, the franchise will be targeting its first NBA Finals appearance since 1995, leaning on his proven ability to deliver in high-pressure situations to lead them back to championship contention.

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

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