Kevin Durant Reveals Bold Message After Joining Rockets
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Thunder’s Jalen Williams makes bold statement about Kevin Durant’s trade to Rockets
Kevin Durant is reportedly heading to the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams shared his thoughts on the trade. Durant also revealed that Houston’s strong 2024–25 campaign was a major factor in his decision to join the Rockets. With KD now in Houston, and the Thunder riding high after their championship run, the Western Conference is gearing up for a fierce 2025–26 season.“I just felt like they wanted me to go. They got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We could move on, and good luck to them moving forward. I’ll always remember my time there but we’re on to something else,” Durant said.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN”.
The news of Durant’s trade broke on the same day Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. When asked about the move during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Williams was clear: he’s not worried about anything outside of celebrating his team’s historic title.
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“That’s dope for Houston. I didn’t really pay that news much attention. Obviously, wherever KD goes, he’s gonna change the way a team plays for the better, so it’s always good having more and more competition in the West. And Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks stayed in the West too, so we accept all challenges. But I can care less about what’s going on in the NBA besides our parade and the rest of my week,” Williams revealed.
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass against Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Durant sends strong message to Suns fans
Durant’s exit from Phoenix didn’t come as a shock following the Suns’ disappointing season and failure to reach the playoffs. Shortly after the trade was announced, Durant aimed at Suns fans during a live segment with Kay Adams at Fanatics Fest on the Ups and Adams Show.
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see also Kevin Durant traded to Houston: Rockets’ projected starting five with KD in 2025-26 NBA season
“I just felt like they wanted me to go. They got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We could move on, and good luck to them moving forward. I’ll always remember my time there but we’re on to something else,” Durant said.
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Durant also revealed that Houston’s strong 2024–25 campaign—finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference—was a major factor in his decision to join the Rockets.
“They had a great season last year. They demonstrated leadership within the conference, and I felt I could be a valuable addition,” he added. With KD now in Houston, and the Thunder riding high after their championship run, the Western Conference is gearing up for a fierce 2025–26 season.
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Kevin Durant calls out Suns after trade to Rockets in surprising statement
Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. The 37-year-old scored over 26 points per game, leading the team’s offense. However, he often struggled to find support in crucial matchups, leaving the team unbalanced. Durant has already expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rockets as his future team. The Rockets already compete fiercely with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference lead. If Durant adapts quickly, the Rockets could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams, having an impressive starting five with in the team with an experience scorer capable of making a difference in the postseason. The blockbuster trade will not be official until July 6.
During Fanatics Fest, news broke about his reported trade, prompting Kay Adams to seize the opportunity for an exclusive with Kevin Durant. She inquired if he had any final words for Suns. Without missing a beat, the veteran delivered a candid response.
“I just felt like they wanted me to go. They got what they wanted, and I got what I wanted. We could move on, and good luck to them moving forward. I’ll always remember my time there but we’re on to something else,” Kevin Durant said.
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Kevin Durant’s inability to capture a NBA championship left Suns fans frustrated. Despite this, he consistently scored over 26 points per game, leading the team’s offense. However, he often struggled to find support in crucial matchups, leaving the team unbalanced. Additionally, the Suns needed future assets because they had a veteran roster. For this reason, they traded him to secure a young star like Jalen Green.
Kevin Durant speaks onstage during Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 22, 2025 in New York City.
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Many fans expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, but a significant number held the franchise accountable for not assembling a competitive roster around the seasoned veteran. Even with stars like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the team’s offense relied heavily on the 37-year-old. Now, he has a chance to join one of the Western Conference’s top teams. This opportunity could allow him to boost his scoring statistics and contribute more effectively.
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see also Kevin Durant unveils key decision factor in choosing the Houston Rockets for the upcoming season
Despite news breaking just hours ago and comments from Durant himself, the blockbuster trade will not be official until July 6. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, this delay stems from Jalen Green’s involvement in the deal; Green recently signed a rookie extension that activates on that date. Yet, Durant has already expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rockets as his future team.
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Kevin Durant’s scoring prowess is unquestionable, but his talent alone does not secure championships. Therefore, head coach Ime Udoka faces the task of integrating Durant into the team. The Rockets already compete fiercely with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference lead.
If Durant adapts quickly, the Rockets could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams, having an impressive starting five with in the team with an experience scorer capable of making a difference in the postseason.
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Brian Windhorst Reveals Victor Wembanyama Prediction, It Should Terrify the NBA
The San Antonio Spurs have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo as a possible trade candidate. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst made a bold Wembanyama career prediction. The Spurs would be frontrunners to win the Western Conference and the Finals if they pulled off such a deal. If he can score in the paint with just a dribble or two after being fed from De’Aaron Fox and knock down 3s like a true wing can, then the Spurs will have an unstoppable force on both ends of the court.
A frontcourt of the Greek Freak and Victor Wembanyama would easily be the best in the league, and the Spurs would be frontrunners to win the Western Conference and the Finals if they pulled off such a deal.
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The idea of having a physical bruiser scoring on the inside and a 7-foot-4 shooter on the outside, both of whom are all-time great defenders, is obviously tantalizing.
While outlining the many ways the Spurs could trade for Antetokounmpo, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst made a bold Wembanyama career prediction.
“Wembenyama is on his way to being one of the greatest big man shooters of all time. He is dedicated to it. He is getting better at it,” said Windhorst on The Dan Patrick Show. “He will eventually be, I think, over 40 percent 3-point shooter.”
In only 46 games last season, Wemabnyama shot 35.2 percent from deep on 8.8 attempts per game, both up significantly from his rookie year. While some fans want him to play a more traditional big man role, that is not the game he will play. He will do things never seen before on both ends of the floor.
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Last year, Wembanyama took the ninth-most 3s per game and made the 13th most, ahead of James Harden, Klay Thompson, and Trae Young. If he can be in the top ten in both categories and even sniff the 40 percent Windhorst predicted, there is a very real chance he will be the best player ever.
Imagine, for a second. He is already the best defender in the league. If he can score in the paint with just a dribble or two after being fed from De’Aaron Fox and knock down 3s like a true wing can, then the Spurs will have an unstoppable force on both ends of the court.
That begs an interesting question: Who needs Giannis?
Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
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NBA Insider Reveals Suns’ Bold Decision on Jalen Green’s Future After Kevin Durant’s Sudden Trade to Rockets
Jalen Green is expected to play alongside Devin Booker in the Phoenix Suns’ backcourt. The 23-year-old has shown star potential, but has yet to put the full package together. The Suns could bring in a massive haul for Green should they choose to move him. Owner Mat Ishbia has made it clear that Phoenix wants to compete right now. The addition of one Jalen Green isn’t going to flip that script entirely, but a few more moves could make the Suns competitive again. The trade for Kevin Durant was one of the most anticipated moves of the offseason.
In exchange, the Phoenix Suns got five second-round picks, Houston’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 10 overall), Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green. The most appetizing prospect for Phoenix has to be the former second-overall pick, who has shown star potential. According to one insider, the Green’s future in Phoenix has already been revealed.
Jalen Green: Trade Piece or Cornerstone?
Since coming into the league in 2021, Green has had a tumultuous start to his career. While the potential has always been through the roof, thanks to his athleticism and three-level scoring, he has yet to put the full package together.
As a result, after averaging 17.3 points as a rookie, he’s continued to hover around the 20-points-per-game mark, putting up 21 a night last season. His shooting percentage, rebounding and playmaking numbers have been nearly identical throughout as well.
However, as part of a young Rockets core that emphasized team basketball, he led the franchise to a second-seed finish and a seven-game war against the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Still just 23, his stability at the guard position could be lucrative to a lot of organizations.
Because of that, the Suns, if they wish to go into full rebuild mode, could bring in a massive haul for Green should they choose to move him. However, owner Mat Ishbia has made it clear that Phoenix wants to compete right now.
That’s why John Gambadoro, the host of the Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix talk show, revealed the latest coming out of the Suns’ camp. “The Suns do not plan to trade Jalen Green, he is expected to play alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt.”
The Suns do not plan to trade Jalen Green, he is expected to play alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt. — John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 22, 2025
After the 2024–25 season went awry with Booker trying to handle point guard duties, the backcourt tandem of the franchise legend and the newcomer could offer better playmaking. Phoenix will still need to make more moves if they want to be competitive in the always-dangerous Western Conference, and will likely need the 10th pick they received from Houston to be an immediate contributor.
Last year, they missed out on any postseason action entirely, ending the year as the 11th seed. The addition of one Jalen Green isn’t going to flip that script entirely, but a few more moves could make the Suns competitive again.
Thunder HC Mark Daigneault reveals why Isaiah Hartenstein started over Cason Wallace
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 111–104 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Head coach Mark Daigneault made a bold pregame adjustment, replacing Cason Wallace with Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup. Hartenstein brought added size and physicality to the floor, as his presence in the paint gave Oklahoma City a stronger interior defense and a much-needed edge in the rebound department. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, logging 40 minutes and pouring in 35 points, also adding three rebounds and three steals. The series is now deadlocked at two games apiece, and everything hangs in the balance. Game 5 of theNBA Finals awaits, where pressure mounts, heroes emerge, and one team inches closer to glory. Click here for more NBA Finals news.
With their backs against the wall, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed into Game 4 and secured a hard-fought 111–104 win over the Indiana Pacers that tied the 2025 NBA Finals at two games apiece. In a series defined by razor-thin margins and shifting momentum, the Thunder once again rose to the moment. Adding to the night’s intrigue, head coach Mark Daigneault made a bold pregame adjustment, as he replaced Cason Wallace with Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup.
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In his post-game press conference, Daigneault explained the decision: “That lineup has very distinct strengths, and you can draw on it at different times. It was a point to get Hartenstein more minutes tonight.” He continued, “He’s been helpful in his minutes. But in terms of the lineup, we just go to every game and try to figure out the formula to win that game. That’s what we thought was best for a Game 4 win tonight.”
Indeed, Daigneault’s tactical shift paid off. Hartenstein brought added size and physicality to the floor, as his presence in the paint gave Oklahoma City a stronger interior defense and a much-needed edge in the rebound department. He finished with just two points and six rebounds in 21 minutes, but his impact went beyond the stat sheet. Daigneault’s gamble worked, and it helped tilt the momentum back to the Thunder.
Even though they trailed by as much as 10 points late in the third quarter, the Thunder didn’t flinch. Instead, they rallied furiously, dismantling what had looked like unstoppable momentum for the Pacers. As the Indiana crowd reached a fever pitch, OKC stayed locked in, cool, relentless, and unshaken. With each clutch possession, they drained the energy from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The message from Mark Daigneault and the Thunder was clear: this series was far from over.
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Once again, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge. He logged 40 minutes and poured in 35 points, also adding three rebounds and three steals. Most impressively, he went a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, and each bucket he scored down the stretch landed like a dagger.
On the other hand, the loss was heartbreaking for the Pacers. They had controlled the pace for much of the night, but in the final 12 minutes, everything they worked so hard to build unraveled. The offense stalled, their defense faded, and with the game slipping away, their earlier composure vanished.
Yet flickers of hope remained. Indiana fought to stay within reach, showing glimpses of the poise that carried them earlier in the series. But when the final buzzer echoed through Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it marked more than just a loss, it signaled a shift in the battle for the crown.
With the series now deadlocked at two games apiece, everything hangs in the balance. Game 5 of the NBA Finals awaits, where pressure mounts, heroes emerge, and one team inches closer to glory. If the Thunder go on to win, Mark Daigneault’s gutsy lineup change ahead of Game 4 could be looked at as a turning point in this series.
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Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder still has ‘much work’ to do vs. Pacers
Related: Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops ‘swinging’ declaration after Game 4 explosion vs. Pacers