In a surprising and viral moment, NBA star Kevin Durant learned about his trade to the Houston Rockets during a live event. The 36-year-old forward, who had been playing for the Phoenix Suns, was onstage at Fanatics Fest in New York City on Sunday, June 22, when he was informed of the trade by the crowd.
The Viral Moment at Fanatics Fest
Durant was participating in a “Global Game Changers” panel moderated by Taylor Rooks when the news broke. As Durant was speaking, the crowd began to shout about his trade, prompting the NBA star to ask for clarification. “You’re headed to Houston. How does that sound?” Rooks asked, as the crowd’s excitement continued to grow.
Durant, looking a bit confused but amused, responded with a smile, “We’re gonna see, man, we’re gonna see.” The crowd continued cheering as Durant tried to regain his focus and continue with the panel discussion.
He joked that his go-to game day song would be “Raining in Houston” by Drake, adding a bit of humor to the unexpected moment.
Durant Reflects on the Trade
After the panel, Durant spoke with commentator Kay Adams and expressed his feelings about the trade. “Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I’m glad it’s over with,” Durant said, admitting that while the trade wasn’t a complete surprise, he wasn’t sure exactly when it would happen.
He seemed content that the trade went down while he was onstage, turning the moment into a unique experience for both himself and his fans.
Durant also shared that he had given the Phoenix Suns a few options for where he’d like to be traded, and the Houston Rockets were on his list. He mentioned that he felt the Rockets had just come off a “great season” and believed he would be a “good addition” to the team.
The Trade Details
Durant’s move to the Rockets marks his fifth NBA trade. According to ESPN, the trade was a deal between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets, where the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks in exchange for Durant.
Durant, who averaged 26.6 points per game during the 2024 season, will be joining a young and promising Rockets team. The Houston squad includes rising stars like guard Amen Thompson and center Alperen Şengün, and the team is led by head coach Ime Udoka.
A New Chapter in Houston
The Houston Rockets, who made the NBA playoffs for the first time in five years this season, are looking to build on their success. They were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors, but Durant’s addition is seen as a major step in the right direction for the team’s future.
Durant’s trade to the Rockets brings a wealth of experience and talent to a team that is eager to contend for championships in the coming seasons.
Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets is a major shake-up in the NBA, and it was made all the more memorable by the way he found out about it.
The live moment at Fanatics Fest has gone viral, showing Durant’s cool and composed reaction to the news. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Rockets, basketball fans are eager to see how Durant’s leadership will help the young team take their game to the next level.
