Report: Kevin Durant ‘Incredibly Excited’ About Rockets Trade, Houston Has Strong Belief This Will Be Long-Term Partnership

According to NBA insiders Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Kevin Durant is “incredibly excited” about getting traded to the Houston Rockets. 

The Rockets, who had the second-best record in the West this season, have a strong belief that this will be a long-term partnership with Durant, who has one year left on his contract. 

“According to a source close to Durant, the future Hall of Famer is ‘incredibly excited’ about the opportunity to join a contender in Houston, surrounded by a talented coaching staff and top-five defensive unit,” Iko and Amick wrote. “The news broke just as he was being interviewed in New York for Fanatics Fest, with the 14-time All-Star letting out a huge grin in front of hundreds of adoring fans.

“Durant has one season remaining on his current contract (worth $54.7 million). Yet while he may not sign an extension when he’s eligible in July, team sources said there is a strong belief that this will be a long-term partnership. On paper, the Rockets’ potential looks extremely promising.”

One of the best scorers in NBA history, Durant can extend with Houston for up to two years, $122.1 million starting on July 6. The future Hall of Famer turns 37 in September. 

The Rockets traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in this year’s NBA Draft and five second-round picks to the Suns for Durant, who averaged 26.6 points this season while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line.

Houston now has a strong core of Durant, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet. Head coach Ime Udoka worked with Durant when the two were with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21. They have a strong relationship. 

The Rockets made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2020, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round in seven games. With Durant in the fold, Houston is expected to compete for the 2026 championship. 

A 15-time All-Star, Durant has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 1,123 NBA games.