Kevin Durant Trade Boosts Rockets Roster, Sparks Jersey Sales

The Houston Rockets have significantly boosted their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season by acquiring Kevin Durant in a major seven-team trade, which sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks to the Phoenix Suns. Durant's arrival has generated immense fan excitement, with his new No. 7 jersey becoming the highest-selling NBA jersey since the trade was announced. Despite some concerns about the Rockets' relatively short point guards, Durant highlighted the defensive challenges of undersized guards but remained optimistic about the team's potential. The trade has been widely praised following the offseason moves, including veteran signings like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, positioning the Rockets as championship contenders. Meanwhile, Suns rookie Khaman Maluach, selected with a pick acquired from the Durant trade, has struggled in the Summer League, leading to questions about the trade's value from Phoenix's perspective. Additionally, Durant himself unexpectedly learned about his trade during a live interview, illustrating the ongoing disconnect between players and teams regarding trade communications in the social media era.