‘Finally got the go-to man': Calvin Murphy reacts to Houston trading for Kevin Durant

USA Today

26-06-2025

'They finally got a player, the 'go-to man' in those last four minutes,' Rockets legend Calvin Murphy says of Kevin Durant's arrival in Houston.
Calvin Murphy is a Hall of Fame legend. When considering the entirety of his journey from an NBA player to the broadcasting realm (now a Space City Home Network analyst), he is currently in his sixth decade as part of the Houston Rockets franchise.
So, it takes a lot to get him particularly excited. Houston's recent trade acquisition of All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who will eventually join Murphy in the Hall of Fame, does the trick.
'Having KD here, it don't get no bigger than that,' Murphy said at Wednesday's NBA draft experience event in Houston. 'This is my 57th year with the Rockets. When you can get something into the organization to excite me, you've done something well.'
Specifically, Murphy is excited for what Durant — long known as one of the NBA's elite scorers — can do for an offense that struggled last season in half-court situations. The Rockets are already an elite defensive team, so pairing a top-five defense with an offensive upgrade could potentially lift Houston to title contention as soon as next season.
'They finally got a player, the 'go-to man' in those last four minutes,' Murphy told reporters, as captured by Sal Maneen of Fox 26 Houston. 'Somebody that has been there, done that. I'm surprised they were able to get him, but I'm glad they got him.'
'Teams are going to try and slow the Rockets down because of their athleticism, but you can't slow them down now, with KD in the halfcourt,' Murphy added. 'That's the perfect offensive weapon. You've got a halfcourt weapon, and you've got those young legs that want to get up and down the floor and put numbers on the board.'
Murphy said he had personally spoken since the trade to Dillon Brooks, who will go to Phoenix as part of the blockbuster trade. Jalen Green is also joining the Suns.
Regarding those departures, Murphy said:
'Dillon the Villain' was my man. I hate to see him go, but it's all about business. I had a chance to say goodbye to him. With Jalen, fourth year, I kind of suspected something was going to happen after that (underwhelming) playoff series. But both of them are very talented, and they're going to do well.
Of course, even with Durant earning All-Star honors last season, there are some who are skeptical of how his game will age during his upcoming stint with the Rockets. In September, the former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and two-time champion turns 37 years old.
But that's not scaring off Murphy, who overcame his 5-foot-9, 165-pound size to become an all-time great during his playing days.
'They told me I was too short to play in this game, and I lasted and got into the Hall,' Murphy said. 'I don't want to hear negativity. This man is a proven champion. Excuse my language, but to hell with those naysayers.'
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