Shocking stats prove Rockets made right choice in Kevin Durant blockbuster

The Houston Rockets traded Jalen Green (and more) for Kevin Durant this summer. Most statistics indicate that they made an excellent choice.

Some Rockets fans will disagree. Sure, Green and Alperen Sengun didn't seem to have strong on-court chemistry. It was probably time to move one or the other. They'll argue that Sengun should have been the one heading to the Valley. They're entitled to their opinion:

But the numbers say otherwise.

Rockets made the right move in the Kevin Durant trade

In a new article, Bleacher Report named the NBA's best trios. They ranked the Rockets fourth. In the process, they shared some stats that prove the Rockets made the right choice.

"The Houston Rockets already had a strong net rating when Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson shared the floor last season (plus-11.1). The trade for Kevin Durant was also addition by subtraction, however, as Houston was a ridiculous plus-26.8 with Şengün, Thompson and no Jalen Green in 772 possessions last season."

-Greg Swartz, Bleacher Report

That...is staggering. The most ardent Green supporter will struggle to explain that in Green's favor without sounding delusional. The Rockets were clearly better when their two best young players shared the floor without him.

If anything, it's interesting that Sengun and Thompson can co-exist. Their combined shooting is, frankly, horrendous. Sengun and Thompson work beautifully in certain sets - Thompson thrives as a cutter with Sengun in the high post - but they aren't the most obviously coherent duo in the NBA.

That's precisely why adding Durant to the equation is perfect. Arguably, he has enough three-point gravity for two men. The Rockets should be able to build a potent offense around each two-man combination between these three stars.

That's going to revolutionize the team.

Rockets' young stars will love playing with Kevin Durant

Is it time to stop talking about Green? He's not a Rocket anymore. If he's a problem, he's the Suns' problem. If he is poised for a breakout, it's going to happen in Suns orange.

Yet, it's difficult to forecast the Rockets' 2025-26 season without acknowledging that moving from Green to Durant is a massive upgrade. It's also encouraging that Sengun and Thompson played so well with him off the floor. One can only imagine what the Rockets' 2025-26 Net Rating will be when all three of their stars are on the floor.

So, all Rockets fans should be excited about the upcoming season. Even those who remain committed to Green can at least concede that the Rockets will be better with one of the best scorers in NBA history in his stead.

Meanwhile, those who preferred Sengun already know what's coming.