14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Devin Booker pays emotional tribute to Kevin Durant after seven-team trade sends star to Houston Rockets
On Sunday, Devin Booker, the guard for the Phoenix Suns, expressed a wave of emotions by sharing a sincere tribute to Kevin Durant on his Instagram Story, coinciding with the major seven-team trade that sent the superstar forward to the Houston Rockets.
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Accompanied by a TikTok clip featuring Drake and a meaningful message, Booker's post went viral, highlighting the essence of brotherhood in the midst of one of the most intricate deals in NBA history.
Devin Booker honors brotherhood with Kevin Durant in viral farewell
With the start of the NBA's new league year on July 6, it became clear that Kevin Durant's chapter with the Phoenix Suns had closed—and it was a sweet send-off. Devin Booker reposted the Suns' official gratitude message for Durant and shared a highlight reel of their on-court synergy, accompanied by Drake's "Stories About My Brother"—the ideal musical backdrop for their relationship.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, closed his Phoenix chapter with a farewell note: 'My time in Phoenix has come to an end... Much love to Arizona. Houston, can't wait!'. As a result, the Suns landed an impressive deal: they got guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with Duke's big man Khaman Maluach (the No. 10 pick), a bunch of second-round picks, and some future options. They really made a splash with this trade!
Turning 37 this September, Durant had a solid season last year, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 62 games—figures that ensured Houston stayed competitive for the playoffs.
He won't be cheap, though—earning $54.7 million in '25–26—Rockets GM Rafael Stone described Durant as 'one of the most efficient scorers in the history of basketball,' and coach Ime Udoka praised his leadership.
On the Phoenix Suns side, GM Brian Gregory lauded Durant as 'one of the greatest to ever play the game,' looking back at his rise in Suns' history through 145 games, he put up averages of 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists—shooting an outstanding 53/43/85.
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Yet, the long-desired goal—a championship with Booker and Bradley Beal—remained elusive. The team wrapped up Durant's stint with a 100–89 record and missed out on postseason glory.
When it comes to the massive trade: It's a significant moment in NBA history. It included teams like Phoenix, Houston, Golden State, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Minnesota, and the Lakers. This seven-team deal involved six veteran players, 13 picks (with a first-rounder and a bunch of second-rounders), a pick swap, and cash—making it the most extensive trade in history.
The consequences will last until 2032, changing rosters and draft assets across the league and emphasizing Houston's goal to capitalize on Durant's star power for a title run.
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As Durant starts a new adventure in Houston, and Booker along with the Suns look to the future with young talent and draft picks, the basketball community is paying close attention. This massive seven-team trade did more than just swap players—it marked the start of new beginnings. And through it all, one thing stands out, brotherhood goes beyond team colors.
