Kevin Durant Makes Statement After Suns-Rockets Trade

Kevin Durant Makes Statement After Suns-Rockets Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Phoenix Suns continue to undergo massive changes during this pivotal offseason. Those changes have included a massive change at the head coaching position. Despite the Suns having signed Mike Budenholzer to a five-year, $50 million deal, that didn't stop them from relieving him of his duties after just one season with $40 million still owed to him.

The second change came in a hands-on move from owner Mat Ishbia, when he moved James Jones into an advisory position to install his close friend Brian Gregory as the new general manager. Ishbia and Gregory's relationship goes back to their days at Michigan State, where Ishbia was a player and Gregory an assistant coach.

Kevin Durant makes statement after Suns-Rockets trade

There had been speculation that the Suns were looking to move star forward Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, but decided to hold onto him to try and qualify for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. However, a late-season ankle injury prevented them from accomplishing said task.

But once Gregory was installed as the general manager, he executed a trade that sent Durant to the Houston Rockets in a now-historic seven-team trade that delivered the Suns Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick and five second-round picks.

On Sunday afternoon, Durant issued a statement for the first time since the blockbuster trade.

"My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players," said Durant. "I appreciate all the quick interactions with everybody from support staff to teammates distant cousins, it’s all a family that I’m grateful to be apart of, no matter what. I truly believe this nba is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait!"

My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the…

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 6, 2025

Durant was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns in 2023 and spent the following two seasons in Phoenix. While he's been outspoken on X in the past, this seemed like a sincere message to the fans of the Suns.

Durant will have plenty of pressure with the Rockets, as they likely look at that move as one they hope can put them over the top and contend for an NBA Championship.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.