Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta confirmed as ambassador to Italy, San Marino
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta poses for a photo during Rockets Media Day on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Houston.
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With Kevin Durant in fold, Rockets' odds surge for 2026 NBA Finals
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to trade superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday. Due to the inclusion of Green, the deal cannot be finalized until July, since it requires waiting until his elevated 2025-26 salary is on the books. Advertisement A 6-foot-11 forward, Durant averaged 26.6 points (52.7% FG, 43.0% on 3-pointers), 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, and he earned All-Star honors for the 15th time in his Hall of Fame career. The former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) turns 37 years old in September, and his current contract runs through next season. The Rockets are coming off a 52-30 season and a No. 2 finish in the Western Conference, and their hope is that the addition of Durant will launch them into title contention next season. So, how much will that acquisition mean? According to ESPN BET, the Rockets surged from +1800 in 2025-26 championship odds prior to Sunday's trade to +850 after it. That +850 is second in the entire league, trailing only Oklahoma City. The Thunder, of course, had the league's best record (68-14) in 2024-25 and won the West. Prior to the deal, Houston ranked between No. 7 and No. 9 in 2026 NBA Finals championship odds, depending on the betting service. Advertisement So, as far as the betting community views things, this deal was extremely significant to the Rockets and their short-term chances. More: Podcast: Live reaction to Rockets trading for Suns star Kevin Durant This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: With Kevin Durant in fold, Rockets' odds skyrocket for 2026 NBA Finals
Yahoo
an hour ago
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Kevin Durant Responds To Suns Fans After Blockbuster Trade: "They Got What They Wanted"
Kevin Durant Responds To Suns Fans After Blockbuster Trade: "They Got What They Wanted" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Just hours after his blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets became official, Kevin Durant finally broke his silence, and he did it live on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City. The 36-year-old superstar, who had spent just over two years in Phoenix, was taking part in an interview with Kay Adams when he was told that Suns fans in the crowd were heartbroken about the news. Durant's response? Classic KD. 'I just felt like, yeah, I mean, they wanted me to go. So it's like, I'm glad we both—you know, they got what they wanted and I got what I wanted, so we can move on. And good luck to them going forward. I'll always remember my time there, but we on something else.' His words made it clear: the breakup wasn't one-sided. Phoenix may have said all the right things publicly, but behind the scenes, both sides were preparing for an exit. And with tensions simmering since the Suns' disappointing 11th-place finish and first-round exit in the previous season, the writing had been on the wall. The moment was surreal, even by NBA standards. Durant found out about the trade, officially, while on stage at Fanatics Fest. Fans in the audience yelled out the news, and all Durant could do was grin and nod. 'Fanatics Fest is crazy. If you haven't been here and been tapped in, anything can happen at Fanatics Fest—like me getting traded. But being a part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it. Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I'm glad it's over with.' When pressed about whether he knew a trade was coming, Durant admitted he had an idea, but not the exact timing. 'Had an idea, but I didn't know exactly when it was going to happen. So I'm glad we kind of did this on stage. It worked out. Fanatics Fest deserved to have that moment.' Durant was also candid about the stress of having his future in limbo. 'You know, when people can just hang your career in a balance like that and choose what they want to do with your career, it's a nerve-wracking feeling. But being able to kind of dictate what you want to do and being with a team that values you, I'm looking forward to it.' When asked directly if he had a say in where he landed, Durant confirmed he did. 'Most definitely, yeah. I mean, they asked me where I wanted to go, some of my destinations, I gave it to them, and here we are.' So why Houston? 'They just had a great season last year. Love their leadership. Yeah, I felt like I'd be a good addition.' As for what comes next, Durant is taking things one step at a time. When asked if he planned to recruit former teammate Russell Westbrook, who is a free agent right now, KD kept it light. 'Don't know after that. We just got one thing figured out today. We'll figure the rest out as we go, you know? It's still early.' Kevin Durant is a Rocket now. And if his first words after the trade are any indication, he's more than ready to turn the page and write a new story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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Jalen Green reportedly determined to improve upon playoff struggles, stay in Houston
Jalen Green continues to be a rumored possibility in trade talks for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, and he's coming off an underwhelming 2025 NBA playoffs with the Houston Rockets. Yet, entering his fifth professional season, it doesn't appear that the 23-year-old is looking for a fresh start. Instead, he wants to make amends in Houston. Advertisement Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic: Green, whose name has been connected to Durant and other stars in trade rumors, is determined to improve upon his playoff struggles and wants to stay in Houston, league sources say. Granted, until there is finality on the Durant front, there remains the possibility that 2024-25 was Green's swan song with the Rockets. But if Durant goes elsewhere, or if his trade package to Houston doesn't include Green, it appears both the Rockets and the 6-foot-6 guard are committed to giving things another go. During the 2024-25 regular season, Green was the leading scorer (21.0 points per game) on a Houston squad that finished with the No. 2 record (52-30) in the Western Conference. But in the playoffs versus Golden State, he was just the fourth-leading scorer (13.3 points), and his true-shooting percentage dipped from 54.4% in the regular season to 48.2% against the Warriors. Advertisement More: After playoff struggles, Rockets' leaders give vote of confidence to Jalen Green This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Jalen Green strives to improve upon playoff struggles, stay in Houston
