Context:

Senator Ted Cruz publicly praised the Houston Rockets following reports of a significant trade that would bring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to Houston. The trade involves the Rockets sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks to the Suns. The official confirmation of the trade will occur on July 6 when the offseason begins. The Phoenix Suns had high hopes for Durant as a catalyst for success alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the team failed to reach the playoffs this year. Despite being 36, Durant remains a top scorer, maintaining an average of 26.6 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 52.7% from the field when healthy.

Dive Deeper:

• Senator Ted Cruz expressed his excitement over the Houston Rockets' reported acquisition of Kevin Durant, a 15-time NBA All-Star, from the Phoenix Suns, describing the trade as a great move despite the loss of defensive player Dillon Brooks.

• The trade package involves significant assets from the Rockets, including young talent Jalen Green, defensive specialist Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks, highlighting the Rockets' commitment to acquiring Durant.

• The trade is a response to the Phoenix Suns' disappointing performance, as they failed to make the playoffs with a 36-46 record despite having high-profile players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal alongside Durant.

• Kevin Durant, despite his age, continues to be one of the league's top scorers, with an impressive average of 26.6 points per game and a shooting percentage of 52.7%, maintaining his All-Star status every eligible season since 2009-10.

• The trade will be officially confirmed on July 6, marking a busy offseason for the Rockets, who have also reportedly extended head coach Ime Udoka following their second-place finish in the Western Conference.

• The Phoenix Suns initially acquired Durant with the hope of elevating the team back to NBA Finals contention, but they were unable to advance beyond the Western Conference semifinals in the 2022-23 season and were eliminated in the first round in 2023-24.

• This trade marks a significant shift for the Rockets as they aim to bolster their roster with a proven scorer like Durant, potentially altering the competitive landscape in the NBA's Western Conference.