Kevin Durant trade keeps looking better and better for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets made waves by acquiring Kevin Durant this summer. So far, it's looked like an unimpeachable decision.

It's ironic. Durant is having his worst season in some time. At 37, these are likely the first hints of meaningful age-related decline. His 24.6 points per game are his lowest mark since his rookie year, and his 60.8 True Shooting % (TS%) would be his lowest mark since 2010-11.

Yet, the Rockets should have no regrets about acquiring him.

Rockets' Kevin Durant trade is paying off

Let's review the trade details. The Rockets flipped Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick for Durant. If they're missing anyone so far, it's Brooks.

He's averaging 22.0 points per game with a 57.5 TS%. That's fine. The Rockets couldn't have anticipated career-best production from Brooks. Increasing his role at Green's expense would have been unthinkable. Besides, the whole world knows that Brooks' offense can be highly volatile.

Otherwise, that 10th overall pick is Khaman Maluach. He's averaging 4.8 minutes per game for the Suns, which is likely 4.8 minutes per game more than he'd be playing with the Rockets. Maluach has plenty of potential, and nobody should write him off, but it can be said that he hasn't given the Rockets any indication that they should regret passing on him yet.

Then, there's Jalen Green.

Rockets have no reason to miss Jalen Green

He's played two games for the Suns in 2025-26 so far.

When Green was a Rocket, he was the consummate ironman. It's fortuitous that his first major injury came right after they traded him. Yet, even when he returns, it's not likely that the Rockets will regret losing him.

In the short-term, it's highly unlikely that Green will average 24.6 points per game with a 60.8 TS% in 2025-26. It would be his best season to date by a long shot.

In the long run, Green simply wasn't panning out with the Rockets. Fans don't need to look any further than Offensive Rating. The Rockets' 122.5 mark leads the NBA, and last year, they were 12th in the league (114.9).

Who knows? Green could shock the world. Outlier development happens. All we can say with confidence is that the Rockets needed to part with him to amplify their attack. They're title contenders in 2025-26, and they likely wouldn't be with Green remaining on the roster.

That alone justifies the decision to flip him for Durant.