Will Kevin Durant really change teams again? Known as one of the most versatile scorers in NBA history, he has been at the intersection of championships and controversies, from the Thunder to the Warriors, from the Nets to the Suns. Now, the Suns' "four-game losing streak" has dropped the team from first to twelfth in the West, with American media reporting Durant's plan to leave the team. Will this major trade involving a "1-for-5" deal really change the landscape of the NBA?
Last year, Durant's joining made the Suns a championship favorite. Booker and Beal's partnership seemed like a perfect fit, with Durant's mid-range shooting stability, Booker's strong ball-handling ability, and Beal providing crucial scoring moments. However, this "Big Three" lineup failed to meet expectations.
At the beginning of the season, the Suns performed impressively, once occupying the top spot in the West. But Durant's injury became a turning point; his absence caused the Suns' system to collapse, and the team slid from first place into the play-in tournament area. Even worse, when Durant returned, Booker and Beal were injured one after another, leaving the team's lineup incomplete for a long time.
This repeated turmoil directly led to the Suns' recent four-game losing streak, dropping their record to twelfth in the West, with even their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
What is even more surprising is that the Suns' management operations have also come under scrutiny. Although they have assembled a luxurious lineup, the supporting cast is seriously lacking, with a lack of quality interior defense and stable bench firepower. Durant's arrival has instead masked deeper structural problems within the team.
Every choice in Durant's career has touched the nerves of countless fans. From the inexperienced youth of the Thunder to the champion superstar of the Warriors, his decisions are always accompanied by glory and criticism.
In 2016, he chose to join the Golden State Warriors, forming a historic "Big Four" with Curry, Thompson, and Green. This decision helped him win two championship trophies and two FMVPs, but it also drew a lot of criticism. Many people thought he was "grouping up to win championships," abandoning the spirit of hard work in the Thunder. However, there is no denying that his performance in the Warriors was impeccable, whether it was scoring in critical moments or his all-around performance on the court, which left people in awe.
After the Warriors, Durant chose to move to the Nets, forming a Big Three with Harden and Irving. It was expected to be another championship story, but it ended abruptly due to injuries, internal strife, and off-court factors. Harden was traded midway through, Irving left due to various controversies, and Durant ultimately carried the team alone. This experience taught him that stacking superstars does not guarantee success; the team's chemistry and stability are the keys to winning championships.
The current situation of the Suns is eerily similar to the end of the Nets. A seemingly powerful lineup on paper crumbled amidst injuries and instability. Durant clearly does not want to repeat past mistakes. He still maintains a strong desire to win championships in the later stages of his career, but the Suns' performance obviously cannot meet his expectations.
From an on-court perspective, the Suns rely too much on individual single-play tactics, lacking a clear tactical system. When Booker and Durant are on the court together, they can overwhelm opponents with their talent, but when one of them is absent, the team's offense immediately stalls. Moreover, the division of labor among the Big Three is not clear; Booker needs the ball, Durant needs space, and Beal is not a shooter adept at off-ball movement. Ultimately, this team has become a classic example of "looking strong, playing hard."
As the Suns struggle, the Rockets on the other side of the West have quietly risen. From rebuilding over the past few seasons to now rising to second in the West, the young core of the Rockets has shown astonishing potential. The growth of young players like Shen Jing, Green, and Smith, coupled with the addition of VanVleet, has made the Rockets' offense and defense more balanced.
However, the young players of the Rockets lack playoff experience, which could be a weakness in key games. Durant's joining would fill this gap perfectly. He can not only provide stable output on the offensive end but also offer experienced guidance in critical moments. If the Rockets can acquire Durant through three first-round picks, VanVleet, and Shen Jing, it would undoubtedly quickly enhance their championship-winning capabilities.
For the Rockets, this trade is risky but worth it. Judging from the data, Durant can still contribute an average of 26.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season, a performance capable of changing the landscape of any team. Although the Rockets currently have outstanding records, their young players fluctuate greatly, and the lack of playoff experience could be a fatal problem.
Some NBA experts point out that Durant's joining can not only bring immediate combat effectiveness but also set an example for the young players of the Rockets. A similar case is the Raptors' acquisition of Leonard in 2019, which eventually won the team's first championship. Although Leonard only played for the Raptors for one season, his influence was profound, directly promoting the team's historic breakthrough.
Durant's career has been filled with choices, each of which has affected the league's landscape. From the Thunder to the Warriors, from the Nets to the Suns, he has never been afraid to change environments. Now, he stands at a new crossroads: should he continue to stay with the struggling Suns or take the initiative to join the Rockets to compete for the championship again?
For the Rockets, this 1-for-5 trade is also a coexistence of risks and opportunities. Losing core players like VanVleet and Shen Jing may affect the team's long-term plans, but if they can get Durant, a "plug-and-play" top star, their championship timetable will be significantly advanced.
Regardless of whether this trade ultimately comes to fruition, Durant's choice once again confirms his desire for championships. In the final stage of his career, he did not choose to wait for opportunities but actively sought change. Perhaps this is what makes Durant unique: constantly changing yet always chasing victory. Will the future court be turned upside down again because of this choice by Durant? Let us wait and see.