In a surreal twist, Kevin Durant found out about his own trade to the Houston Rockets while onstage at Fanatics Fest in New York City on Sunday.
The 15-time NBA All-Star had just made a public appearance at the star-studded event when fans in the audience broke the news to him—Durant had been traded by the Phoenix Suns, per Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks to Phoenix in exchange for the two-time NBA champion.
The unexpected moment quickly went viral, amplified by audible boos from the New York crowd—likely from Knicks fans frustrated that their team wasn’t involved in the deal, despite reports they never pursued Durant.
Watch the video below.
KEVIN DURANT’S IN THE MOMENT REACTION FINDING OUT HE WAS TRADED TO THE HOUSTON ROCKETS LIVE AT @FanaticsFest
— Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) June 22, 2025
BREAKING: Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets while he was ON STAGE at Fanatics Fest.
He had no clue and even asked if it was real.
On his first reaction to being traded: “We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see.” pic.twitter.com/UKixsyLT6B
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) June 22, 2025
Whether the timing was sheer coincidence or calculated PR, the live reaction at Fanatics Fest provided an unforgettable viral moment.
Interestingly, Durant’s destination aligns with his own preferences. Charania reported on June 14 that Houston, San Antonio, and Miami were the only teams the 35-year-old forward would consider signing a long-term extension with.
Now that he’s heading to the Rockets, expectations soar for both parties.
While the trade doesn’t mortgage Houston’s future—the team still owns premium draft assets like a 2027 pick swap with Brooklyn and an unprotected first-rounder from Phoenix—it signals a win-now mindset.
Durant hasn’t won a playoff game since Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals. His Suns were swept by Minnesota last season, despite him averaging 26.8 points on 55.2% shooting in the series.
Meanwhile, Alperen Şengün led the Rockets in scoring during their recent postseason run, averaging 20.9 points per game in a seven-game loss to the Golden State Warriors.
With Durant now in the mix, the Rockets gain a proven go-to scorer and postseason veteran—and both sides hope it’s the missing piece for a deep playoff push.
The post Fans break trade news to Kevin Durant live at Fanatics Fest first appeared on Fastbreak.
0 comments: