August 12, 2025

Phoenix Suns Trade Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets

News Summary

In a groundbreaking seven-team deal, the Phoenix Suns have traded superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, significantly reshaping the NBA landscape. The Rockets also signed Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela to bolster their roster as they aim for improved playoff prospects. This trade has major implications for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who have made key roster changes, and other franchises adjusting their strategies ahead of the upcoming season.

Houston – The NBA offseason has seen a historic shift as the Phoenix Suns traded superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a groundbreaking seven-team deal, marking a significant turning point ahead of the 2025-26 season. This monumental trade has reshaped rosters and altered the balance of power within the league, impacting several teams and their strategies for the upcoming year.

In addition to acquiring Durant, the Rockets bolstered their lineup further by signing Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year, $53 million contract and bringing in Clint Capela on a three-year, $21 million deal. These additions are viewed as crucial for the Rockets, who are looking to enhance their playoff prospects after a challenging previous season. Notably, this trade also significantly weakens the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has been a dominant force in recent years.

In response to the ongoing reshuffling, the Lakers secured a three-year, $165 million extension for Luka Dončić. Additionally, they signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year contract, aiming to solidify their center position after upgrading from Jaxson Hayes. The Lakers also acquired Marcus Smart from the Washington Wizards on a two-year, $11 million deal after he agreed to a buyout.

The offseason doesn’t stop there, with the San Antonio Spurs making headlines by utilizing the No. 2 overall pick to select Dylan Harper, further solidifying their future. The Spurs also successfully retained De’Aaron Fox with a lucrative four-year extension worth up to $229 million, enhancing their young core.

The Milwaukee Bucks made a bold move by waiving Damian Lillard, stretching the remaining $113 million of his contract to free up space for Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million deal. This maneuver showcases the strategic adjustments teams are making as they prepare for the new season.

In coaching changes, the New York Knicks have appointed Mike Brown as their new head coach, aiming to improve their offensive strategy and bench utilization. To support this change, Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million deal to maintain continuity within the team.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, allowing them to select highly coveted guard Cooper Flagg. In related moves, the New Orleans Pelicans acquired both Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey from the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk.

The Memphis Grizzlies fortified their position by signing Jaren Jackson Jr. to a five-year, $240 million extension, ensuring that they retain their central figure before he enters free agency next summer. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks strengthened their lineup by pouncing on Kristaps Porziņģis, adding depth around star guard Trae Young.

The Los Angeles Clippers significantly enhanced their roster by acquiring Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul through strategic trades which resulted in minimal long-term financial commitments. Conversely, the Suns find themselves in a precarious position, losing Durant alongside a likely buyout for Bradley Beal.

Other notable movements include Collin Sexton joining the Charlotte Hornets from the Utah Jazz while the Sacramento Kings added Dennis Schröder and Dario Šarić through trades. However, the Indiana Pacers faced substantial setbacks, losing Tyrese Haliburton to injury and Myles Turner to free agency.

The Utah Jazz sought to strengthen their force by acquiring Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love, among several other strategic moves. As the new NBA salary cap for the 2025-26 season has been set at $154.647 million with tax levels at $187.895 million, franchises are aligning themselves for potential big shifts in the future, particularly concerning high-profile players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.

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