How Houston’s Kevin Durant gamble could redefine the Rockets

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How Houston’s Kevin Durant gamble could redefine the Rockets
The Rockets just changed everything with one move. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Houston Rockets have pulled off a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, acquiring the superstar forward from the Phoenix Suns. The deal comes at a steep price—Houston parts ways with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-rounders.

In this episode, we react to the stunning trade and break down what it means for the Rockets’ future. Is parting with Green and Brooks too much, or a necessary step toward contention? We examine the risks tied to Durant’s age and injury history, and what losing a defensive anchor like Brooks means for a young, evolving roster.

We also dive into what KD brings to the table—his scoring ability, his contract situation, and whether he can truly be "the guy" on a team that’s looking to take the next step. And if he can’t stay healthy come playoff time… was the gamble even worth it?

The Rockets just pushed all their chips in. The question now: did they bet on the right hand?

Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein share their thoughts on the newest addition to the Rockets.

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The Astros beat the Red Sox, 7-6. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Ramón Urías had three hits with a two-run homer and Chas McCormick hit his first homer this season as the Houston Astros built a big lead and held on for a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

Carlos Correa hit an RBI single to help the Astros to the victory after they were swept in Boston to start the month.

It was his first home game since rejoining the team in a blockbuster trade from the Twins.

Houston starter Cristian Javier (1-0) had a solid outing in his return after sitting out more than 14 months following Tommy John surgery. He allowed two hits and two runs in the first inning before settling down and giving up just one single over the next four innings.

Alex Bregman’s two-run home run in the first inning gave Boston an early lead in his first game in Houston since leaving the Astros this offseason.

The Astros welcomed Bregman back with the video below.

Houston scored three runs in the third to take the lead and got a two-run shot from McCormick in the fourth and a two-run homer from Urías in the fifth to make it 7-2.

But the Red Sox scored four runs with two outs in the seventh inning, highlighted by home runs from Abraham Toro and Roman Anthony, to get within 1. Bregman singled after that, but Jarren Duran grounded out to end the inning.

Connor Wong doubled off Enyel De Los Santos with two outs in the ninth inning and Bennett Sousa took over and struck out Anthony to end it and collect his fourth save.

Boston’s Garrett Crochet (13-5) yielded seven hits and tied a season-high with five runs in a season-low four innings to snap a nine-game winning streak and give him his first loss since May 26.

Urías, who was acquired from Baltimore at the deadline, finished a triple shy of the cycle to tie a season high in hits.

Key moment

Sousa’s strikeout of Anthony in the ninth.

Key stat

McCormick’s home run was his first since Aug. 28. He caught up with Julia Morlaes after the game and talked about the big homer.

Up next

Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-2, 7.43 ERA) opposes RHP Dustin May (6-8, 4.93) when the series continues Tuesday night.

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