After weeks of speculation, Kevin Durant’s next destination is all but set. The two-time NBA champion is reportedly heading to the Houston Rockets. Amid the breaking news, Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams—fresh off winning the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle—shared his candid thoughts on the trade.
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.
“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)
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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“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.
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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