PHOENIX — The 2025-26 NBA season for the Phoenix Suns will revolve heavily around their upcoming encounters with the Houston Rockets, driven by the major trade that shifted Kevin Durant to Houston this summer. With Durant’s arrival in Houston and Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and several draft picks heading to Phoenix, these games promise both excitement and emotional tension. The highly awaited Kevin Durant Suns Rockets matchups highlight the Suns’ schedule, with four contests revealed that mark key dates for fans and players alike.
Key Dates for the Suns-Rockets Battles in the Upcoming Season
Following the official schedule release, the Suns and Rockets will meet on Monday, Nov. 24, in Phoenix, with the game broadcast on Peacock. This will be Durant’s first visit back to Phoenix after the trade, adding significant emotional weight to the matchup. Other scheduled games include two in Houston on Friday, Dec. 5, and Monday, Jan. 5, followed by a concluding game in Phoenix on Tuesday, April 7, which will air on NBC.
Durant’s Return: Mixed Emotions Among Suns Fans and Players
Durant’s return to Phoenix is arguably the most coveted moment of the Suns’ season, especially as the team undergoes a rebuild following several challenging seasons. While some fans are expected to celebrate Durant’s 2.5 seasons with the team, others may harbor disappointment due to recent struggles. Speaking to Kay Adams at Fanatics Fest, Durant reflected on the trade and fan reactions:
“They wanted me to go. They got what they wanted and I got what I wanted so we can move on. Good luck to them moving forward – I’ll always remember my time there but we’re on to something else.” —Kevin Durant, NBA Player
Durant also expressed a heartfelt farewell to Phoenix on social media, acknowledging the people behind the scenes who support players every day:
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the quick interactions with everybody from support staff to teammates distant cousins, it’s all a family that I’m grateful to be apart of, no matter what. I truly believe this nba is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait!” —Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5)
Emotional Impact of the Trade on Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks
The upcoming matchups carry significance beyond Durant’s return, especially for players like Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who now wear the Suns jersey. Green recently shared his feelings about the trade in a Players Tribune letter, revealing a mix of gratitude and nostalgia for his time in Houston:
“What’s that thing that people are always saying in these moments? Don’t cry because it’s over? Smile because it happened? I’m smiling. It’s nothing but love for the Rockets. I’m sorry I gotta try to bust y’all a– now, but every time I see y’all, it’s gonna be love.” —Jalen Green, NBA Player
“I mean, I grew up here, for real. Some dudes just be saying that when they get traded, but I really came here at 19 years old still eating Skittles before games, and I’m leaving here as a father. It’s been a time, y’all.” —Jalen Green, NBA Player
These emotional undercurrents add layers to the rivalry, with personal histories intertwined with the teams’ evolving narratives.
Changing Dynamics Between Suns and Rockets After Years Apart
Historically, the Suns and Rockets had limited high-profile matchups, as the Rockets faced difficulties throughout much of the early 2020s, while the Suns experienced a resurgence culminating in an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. Most recently, the Suns endured a disappointing season missing the playoffs, signaling a shift in team dynamics. The blockbuster trade involving Durant, Green, and Brooks redefines the rivalry for the 2025-26 season, promising a much different competitive landscape.
What These Games Mean for the Future of Both Teams
These Kevin Durant Suns Rockets matchups will not only captivate fans but also serve as significant markers of progress for both organizations as they navigate their new identities. Phoenix aims to rebuild while integrating new talent, and Houston hopes Durant’s leadership sparks a turnaround. The November and December games will offer early indicators of how well each team has adapted, while the January and April clashes could prove pivotal in playoff positioning.