
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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Marcus Semien hit his 250th career home run and Adolis García also went deep to back up a strong start by Nathan Eovaldi and give the Texas Rangers a 5-1, series clinching victory over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Eovaldi (7-3) limited Houston to five hits and a run with eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings for his third straight win.
Houston starter Hunter Brown (9-4) allowed five hits and four runs while striking out eight in five innings as the AL West leaders lost for the fifth time in six games. It was the second straight tough outing for the All-Star, who gave up a season-high six runs in his last start against Cleveland.
Wyatt Langford walked to open the second and the Rangers made it 1-0 when he scored on a triple by Evan Carter. There were two outs in the inning when Carter scored on a ground-rule double by Ezequiel Duran to push the lead to 2-0.García’s third homer in the last four games put Texas ahead 3-0 with two outs in the third inning.
Carter doubled to start the fourth and Kyle Higashioka singled before Carter scored on a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Osuna to make it 4-0.
The Astros cut it to 4-1 on a home run by Zack Short with no outs in the sixth inning.
Semien’s shot with one out in the eighth inning was his second of the series and gave him 250 in his 13-year career.
Key moment
Texas jumping on Brown for two runs in the second inning to take the lead for good.
Key stat
García’s 20 home runs against the Astros since 2021 are the most of any player in that span.
Up next
The Astros open the second half of the season Friday night at Seattle, and the Rangers host Detroit on the same night.