The NBA superstar Kevin Durant is officially a Houston Rocket. And if the hype video shared by the Rockets’ digital team is anything to go by, it doesn’t just welcome Durant, it signals the dawn of a new era in Houston.
After weeks of speculation and the culmination of one of the most intricate trades in NBA history, the superstar forward has landed in H-Town. As fans buzz and analysts speculate, the Rockets are making one thing clear: the chase for a championship is on.
Houston Rockets Welcome Kevin Durant With Bold Hype Video After Monumental Trade
On Sunday, July 6, the Rockets dropped a dramatic welcome video to announce the arrival of Durant, their blockbuster acquisition from the Phoenix Suns. Titled with the words “No introduction necessary,” the clip blends Durant’s most electrifying highlights, monster dunks, smooth assists, and clutch 3-pointers, into one powerful montage.
“🏆 2x NBA Champion
🥇 NBA MVP
💫 15x NBA All-Star
🏅 2x NBA Finals MVP
🏅 4x Olympic Gold Medalist
Welcome to Houston, Kevin Durant! 🚀”
No introduction necessary.
🏆 2x NBA Champion
🥇 NBA MVP
💫 15x NBA All-Star
🏅 2x NBA Finals MVP
🏅 4x Olympic Gold MedalistWelcome to Houston, Kevin Durant! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/BSiZIXOXf7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 6, 2025
With Durant spearheading the Rockets’ squad, Ime Udoka and Co. have instantly become a legitimate threat in the West. Pairing him with rising stars like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, alongside veteran leader Fred VanVleet, signals a franchise firmly in win-now mode. Their 52-win season under Coach Udoka was a promising start and now, they’re doubling down for the title.
Durant’s arrival was the centerpiece of what became the largest trade in NBA history, involving seven teams and 13 players. The Rockets gave up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple assets to complete the deal. The trade had been percolating for some time, with Durant reportedly seeking a way out of Phoenix since the 2025 trade deadline.
Just before the video went live, the Rockets confirmed the trade on X, posting a graphic of Durant in a Rockets jersey with “Welcome to HOUSTON” emblazoned across the frame.
Let’s work, @KDTrey5 🚀 pic.twitter.com/KLqt0DBRYl
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 6, 2025
Meanwhile, Durant remains one of the league’s highest-paid players, currently on a four-year, $194.2 million contract. He’ll earn $53.2 million in the 2025–26 season. At 36, he may not have the same explosiveness that defined his Golden State years, but after averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting last season, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Durant also reflected on his departure from Phoenix in a heartfelt post on X:
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way… I truly believe this NBA is one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, can’t wait!”
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…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 6, 2025
With Houston, Durant joins the fifth franchise of his career. The Rockets may have been bounced in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, but with KD now on board, expectations have surged. The front office is betting big that Durant still has enough in the tank to lead them deep into the postseason.
