Context:

Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion, will join the Houston Rockets in a major trade from the Phoenix Suns, which involves eight other players and several draft picks. In exchange for Durant, the Suns will receive guard Jalen Green, small forward Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and five future second-round picks. Durant expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rockets, who had a successful season and are led by coach Ime Udoka, with whom Durant has previously worked. Despite the Suns' underwhelming performance last season, Durant maintained impressive stats, averaging 26.6 points per game. As the seventh highest-scoring player in NBA history, Durant's addition to the Rockets is expected to significantly bolster their chances in the upcoming season.

Dive Deeper:

• Kevin Durant, a renowned NBA player and two-time champion, is set to join the Houston Rockets in a deal involving a total of nine players, marking a significant shift in team dynamics for both the Rockets and the Phoenix Suns.

• The Phoenix Suns will acquire guard Jalen Green, small forward Dillon Brooks, along with the 10th pick in the NBA Draft and five future second-round picks as part of the trade for Durant, highlighting a strategic move to rebuild their roster.

• Durant expressed his excitement about joining the Rockets, citing their strong leadership and successful previous season, and feels he will be a valuable addition to the team, which has been looking to strengthen its lineup.

• Last season, despite the Suns' lackluster performance, Durant delivered strong individual statistics, averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots per game, underscoring his continued impact as a player.

• Durant, who is also a four-time Olympic champion and a former NBA Most Valuable Player, previously collaborated with Rockets coach Ime Udoka during their time with the Brooklyn Nets and the US Olympic team, which could foster a strong player-coach dynamic.

• The Rockets, having finished second in the Western Conference last season but exiting in the first round of the playoffs, aim to improve their playoff performance with Durant's experience and scoring prowess.

• Durant's career achievements include being the seventh highest-scoring player in NBA history and winning two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors, further enhancing the Rockets' championship aspirations.