In a whirlwind of excitement, Kevin Durant has officially joined the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns, announced on June 22, 2025. The deal, which sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks to Phoenix, has sparked fervor among Rockets fans. Adding to the buzz, Durant celebrated his new chapter by opening a pack of 2007-08 Topps basketball cards at Fanatics Fest in New York, pulling a base parallel card of the late Kobe Bryant—an emotional moment that resonated deeply with the 15-time All-Star and collectors alike.
The trade positions Durant, a two-time NBA champion and 2014 MVP, alongside Houston’s young core of Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet under coach Ime Udoka, with whom Durant shares a strong bond from their time with the Nets and USA Basketball. Durant, who averaged 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting last season, is expected to elevate the Rockets, who finished 52-30 as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed in 2024-25. His elite scoring and versatility address Houston’s struggles with halfcourt offense, particularly in isolation plays, where he led the league in points per direct isolation.
The card pull, captured in a video shared by Topps, showcased Durant’s joy as he uncovered the Kobe Bryant card, a base parallel from the year Durant entered the NBA as the No. 2 overall pick. The moment carried added weight due to Durant’s admiration for Bryant, whom he called his “Michael Jordan” in a 2015 interview. While the card’s market value is modest, its sentimental significance was evident in Durant’s wide smile, reflecting his connection to the Lakers legend who inspired him as a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics.
At Fanatics Fest, Durant learned of the trade while hosting a panel, expressing enthusiasm for joining Houston: “They had a great season last year. I felt like I’d be a good addition.” The Rockets’ championship odds have surged to +850, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Suns aim to rebuild around Green and Brooks. The card pull, featuring other 2007-08 names like Shawn Marion and rookie Julian Wright, underscored Durant’s ties to that era and his new journey in Houston.
As the NBA Finals head to a decisive Game 7, Durant’s move and his heartfelt tribute to Bryant via the card pull have ignited optimism for a Rockets team eyeing a deep playoff run. The trade, paired with this symbolic moment, marks a fresh start for Durant in a city where he played college ball at Texas, ready to chase another title.
