NBA Offseason Shocker: Kevin Durant to Rockets as Trades Shake Up Draft Night

The NBA offseason has kicked off with a bang, and teams are wasting no time shaking up their rosters ahead of the draft. With the Oklahoma City Thunder still basking in the glory of their Game 7 Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers, the trade market is already buzzing with blockbuster deals that could reshape the league’s landscape for the 2025-26 season.

Let’s dive into the action. The Memphis Grizzlies made waves by shipping guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, securing players and draft picks in return. Not to be outdone, the Indiana Pacers pulled off their own deal during the Finals, maneuvering for future assets with a pick-heavy trade.

Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks addressed uncertainty around Clint Capela’s future by landing Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets. This move bolsters their frontcourt with a proven talent, setting the stage for an intriguing season.

Another headline-grabber came when the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards swapped talent in a high-profile trade. The Pelicans acquired Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and a draft pick, while Washington welcomed star guard CJ McCollum, forward Kelly Olynyk, and a future selection. It’s a deal that could shift the balance in both conferences.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, fresh off their record 18th title, made a surprising move by sending two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. In return, they snagged Anfernee Simons and a pair of draft picks—a gamble on youth over veteran grit.

Perhaps the biggest shock came with Kevin Durant, the 2014 MVP and two-time champion, heading to the Houston Rockets. The Phoenix Suns received Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and a whopping six draft picks in exchange. Durant in Houston? That’s a storyline we’ll be watching closely.

With the NBA Draft set to tip off on June 25 at the Barclays Center in New York, expect more fireworks as teams position themselves for the future. This offseason is already proving to be a wild ride, and we’re just getting started.