Report: Durant Traded to Rockets, Odds Shift Accordingly
The trade involving Kevin Durant has allegedly been finalized, with the 15-time All-Star moving from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, prompting changes in betting odds.
Rockets Currently Among Top Betting Contenders
A report from ESPN’s Shams Charania emerged shortly after noon today with the specifics – Durant traded to the Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, this year’s No. 10 pick, and five second-round selections.
There's footage available on X showing Durant on a panel at a Fanatics event reacting to the trade news
"We’re gonna see, man,” he told the crowd, smiling. The deal can only become formally completed when the new season starts July 6.
Durant: 26.6 PPG Previous Season
Soon after the trade, Casino.org obtained a communication from ESPN BET indicating that the Rockets’ 2025-26 NBA Championship odds shifted from +1800 to +850, ranking second-best after the Oklahoma City Thunder (+220), and placing ahead of the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks (all at +1000).
The Thunder face the Pacers tonight in Game 7 of the NBA Championship. The Thunder, playing at home, are -258 on the Moneyline, while the Pacers stand at +210 at DraftKings, with the Thunder at -7 on the spread (-110) and the Pacers at +7 (-110).
Defensively Exceptional Squad
The Rockets ended up in second place in the Western Conference last season, with a record of 52-30, and were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, after seven games.
Durant becomes part of a team led by coach Ime Udoka that ranked No. 2 in the NBA for defensive efficiency. Center Alperen Sengun received his initial all-star selection last season, putting up averages of 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, while Amen Thompson has developed into a formidable defender at forward, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season. Five years ago, Fred VanVleet secured an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors and now leads the team as the experienced guard (14.1/3.7/5.6).
Chances Change at ESPN BET
Green has recently inked a $106 million extension and has displayed glimpses of future star capability.
Nonetheless, NBA analysts recognized the exceptional defensive statistics and significant championship potential if they acquired a premier scorer, and Durant fits that role, even at 37 years old. During the previous season with the Suns, he recorded averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, with a shooting percentage of 52.7%.
The Suns have become a well-rounded team – excellent coaching, athletic ability, strategy, and skill.
The negotiation was complex, as Durant, entering the final year of his contract, indicated he would only agree to an extension if traded to one of three teams: the Rockets, Miami Heat, or San Antonio Spurs.
DraftKings' odds for the 2026 NBA championship have changed; the Thunder are at +240, the Rockets follow at +75, then the Knicks (+900), Pacers (+900), and Cavaliers (+1100)
