The NBA completed its first seven-team trade in league history Sunday, officially sending Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a deal that reshapes the Western Conference landscape. The transaction, which sets a new record for the most franchises involved in a single trade, was finalized as the league's moratorium period ended at 12:01 p.m. ET.
The deal surpasses the previous record of six teams set in 2024 when Klay Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Beyond Durant's move to Houston, the trade redistributes assets across seven organizations and consolidates multiple previously agreed-upon transactions into one massive deal.
The Rockets acquire Durant and center Clint Capela via sign-and-trade from Atlanta1. Phoenix receives guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, plus rookies Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, and a second-round pick23.
The remaining teams receive smaller pieces: Brooklyn gets two second-round picks, Golden State acquires Alex Toohey and Jahmai Mashack, the Lakers land Adou Thiero, Minnesota receives Rocco Zikarsky plus two second-round picks and cash, while Atlanta gets David Roddy, a second-round pick swap, and cash considerations24.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the deal essentially combines separate draft-night agreements into one transaction to streamline the process3. "This is basically teams trying to save times on trade calls," wrote The Athletic's Fred Katz5. "Instead of having to do a bunch of different trade calls, now they just have to do one."
Rockets coach Ime Udoka was instrumental in securing Durant, leveraging their relationship from their time together with the Brooklyn Nets12. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Udoka approached Houston's front office and ownership, saying "Can we get Kevin Durant? Get him"2.
"Having played against Kevin and coached him before, I know he's the type of competitor who fits with what we've been building here in Houston," Udoka said in a statement3. "His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation."
The deal originated from a June 22 agreement between Phoenix and Houston but expanded as teams sought to incorporate other transactions4. Durant, who averaged 26.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 62 games last season, gives Houston a proven scorer alongside their young core5.
The trade comes two weeks after Durant's Suns were eliminated from the playoffs, with the deal initially announced just hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals1. Durant, who turns 37 in September, had one year remaining on his Phoenix contract and represents Houston's attempt to accelerate their championship timeline after finishing second in the Western Conference2.
"The price was so low they just couldn't say no," Windhorst explained3.