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Professional basketball

Kevin Durant's Latest Career Move: A High-Risk Bet on the NBA's Greatest Shooter

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Kevin Durant's new trade to the Houston Rockets marks a significant shift in his career, with the 15-time all-star searching for a championship factor after a series of unsuccessful ventures. Despite his peak years being a few months short of his 37th birthday, Durant remains an elite scorer, having shot 53% from the field and 42% from three-point range over the past three seasons, averaging 27.4 points per game - slightly better than his career averages on all fronts. His rare ability to produce efficient offense remains intact, but his record of hand-picking destinations and exerting influence on franchise operations has proven lacking, particularly since leaving Golden State after rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2019.

Key Takeaways:

  • Durant's shooting statistics over the past three seasons: 53% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 27.4 points per game
  • Durant's 15 all-star appearances and 18 years in the NBA since being drafted second overall in 2007
  • His previous trade to the Suns in February 2023, which ended with the team being swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Durant's confirmation that he had a hand in steering the trade to the Rockets, which included giving the team his preferred destinations
  • The Rockets' decision to trade Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the draft, and five second-round picks to the Suns to acquire Durant
  • Durant's $54.7 million salary next season and eligibility for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million
  • The Raptors' decision not to pursue Durant due to timing and the presence of Brandon Ingram, who signed a three-year contract extension worth $120 million last year
  • Durant's notorious sensitivity and restless wanderlust, pointing to a potentially high-risk gamble for the Rockets
  • Durant's aspirations to be part of a team that values him and has a great season last year, with a leadership he feels he can contribute to

Statistics:

  • Durant's career shooting percentages: 53% from the field, 42% from three-point range
  • Durant's career points per game average: 27.4
  • The Rockets' championship odds after acquiring Durant: second favorite in the Western Conference
  • The Suns' combined postseason record with Durant: 1 win (2023) and 1 sweep in the first round (2024) by the Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Brandon Ingram's contract extension: three years, worth $120 million
  • Durant's upcoming salary: $54.7 million
  • The Rockets' recent season: won 50+ games last year

Sources:

  • "A June 23 column about Kevin Durant incorrectly stated that the Phoenix Suns were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs this year. In fact, Phoenix didn't make the post-season. The playoff loss to Minnesota happened last year. (June 24, 2025. Page A13)"
  • Toronto Star OPINION (June 23, 2025. Page A13)

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