The Kevin Durant Rockets trade debate has stirred strong opinions among NBA fans since its announcement. When the Phoenix Suns sent Durant to Houston in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in 2025, and five second-round picks through 2032, reactions were mixed. Some saw it as a fair exchange, while others believed the Suns did not receive enough return for a future Hall of Famer. This trade has become a hot topic across discussions, from casual conversations in barbershops to intense online forums and X Spaces broadcasts.
Fans often question the value of trades involving superstars, especially given the high stakes of swapping core players and draft picks. The trend of trading multiple first-round picks has become common among teams attempting to build title contenders, leading to both hope and skepticism among supporters.
Matt Barnes Weighs In on the Trade’s Value for Houston
Matt Barnes, 2017 NBA champion and cohost of the podcast All The Smoke, recently spoke about the trade on a solo podcast episode, offering a strong defense of Houston’s decision. Barnes stated,
I think it was a great move,
and emphasized,
Houston didn’t have to give up a ton of young assets.
Barnes contrasted this with the Suns’ previous aggressive approach when acquiring Durant in 2023, which cost them Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and four unprotected first-round picks. That earlier trade left Phoenix with a cramped payroll, restricting their ability to maintain a deep, balanced roster.
Despite concerns over Houston parting with five second-round picks, Barnes dismissed this as insignificant compared to trades involving multiple first-rounders. He observed,
I’m hearing a lot of people say they gave up too many picks. But to me—if Desmond Bane gets four first-rounders, and Rudy Gobert gets six and an exception, I don’t give a [expletive] how old Kevin Durant is.
Durant’s Enduring Value and Houston’s Strategic Position
Barnes believes Durant’s value remains exceptionally high regardless of his age, asserting,
Kevin Durant will always demand more than those guys,
and applauded Houston for not surrendering any first-round picks, calling it a win. He also pointed out the young assets Houston retained, naming Jalen Green as a player they are still building around.
Looking ahead, Barnes does not think Houston’s maneuvers are complete. The Rockets reportedly hold flexibility for further transactions, as evidenced by Barnes remarking,
They’ve still got wiggle room. Are they finished? You’ve heard talk—Giannis teaming up with KD, Jaylen Brown possibly heading to Houston. They’re not done.
Potential Moves and Houston’s Future Outlook
Barnes analyzed the Rockets’ roster, suggesting that most players except Durant and Amen Thompson could be available for trade if the right offer arrives. He added,
They’ve still got a lot of assets,
and revealed his readiness to trade key players for superstar talent:
Anyone outside of Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant? For the right offer, they’re in play. Would I trade Şengün for Giannis? Absolutely. No-brainer. So watch Houston—because they’re not slowing down.
With Durant now leading the team and several valuable trade chips available, the Rockets are positioned for further transformation. If Barnes’s outlook holds true, Houston could continue to reshape its roster in pursuit of immediate success and a championship contender status.