With Kevin Durant in fold, Rockets' odds surge for 2026 NBA Finals
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to trade superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday.
Due to the inclusion of Green, the deal cannot be finalized until July, since it requires waiting until his elevated 2025-26 salary is on the books.
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A 6-foot-11 forward, Durant averaged 26.6 points (52.7% FG, 43.0% on 3-pointers), 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, and he earned All-Star honors for the 15th time in his Hall of Fame career. The former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) turns 37 years old in September, and his current contract runs through next season.
The Rockets are coming off a 52-30 season and a No. 2 finish in the Western Conference, and their hope is that the addition of Durant will launch them into title contention next season.
So, how much will that acquisition mean? According to ESPN BET, the Rockets surged from +1800 in 2025-26 championship odds prior to Sunday's trade to +850 after it. That +850 is second in the entire league, trailing only Oklahoma City. The Thunder, of course, had the league's best record (68-14) in 2024-25 and won the West.
Prior to the deal, Houston ranked between No. 7 and No. 9 in 2026 NBA Finals championship odds, depending on the betting service.
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So, as far as the betting community views things, this deal was extremely significant to the Rockets and their short-term chances.
More: Podcast: Live reaction to Rockets trading for Suns star Kevin Durant
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: With Kevin Durant in fold, Rockets' odds skyrocket for 2026 NBA Finals
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