Durant Commits to Rockets After Suns Rebuild

Kevin Durant, traded to the Houston Rockets after the Phoenix Suns shifted into a rebuild and moved him, said he picked Houston because the roster and coach Ime Udoka fit his playing style. He praised Udoka’s approach, emphasized process over championship talk — citing size, penetration, switching, length, athleticism, discipline, continuity and camaraderie as keys — and confirmed he intends to sign a contract extension with the Rockets. Houston’s young core, led by All-Star Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson and supported by Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and rookie Reed Sheppard, gives Durant complementary talent so he won’t have to carry the offense alone. Durant has spent part of the offseason bonding with teammates, including a Bahamas fishing trip with Steven Adams, and teammates have praised his work ethic and low-key demeanor. The team’s backcourt depth took a major hit when starter Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in the offseason.