Kevin Durant Finds Out He Was Traded to Rockets While Onstage at Fanatics Fest

Kevin Durant was stunned to learn of his trade to the Rockets while on stage in New York City.

June 22, 2025
Kevin Durant, wearing a black cap and jacket, smiling during an event.
Image via Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Kevin Durant is heading to a new city—and he found out in the most unexpected way.

The 36-year-old NBA superstar was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal on Sunday. In a surreal twist, Durant learned about the trade while sitting on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City, surrounded by fans and fellow athletes.

Video of the moment quickly went viral, capturing Durant's seemingly stunned reaction in real time. The two-time NBA Finals MVP looked confused as someone relayed the breaking news during a panel.

When asked about his thoughts on the trade, Durant could only offer a dazed, "We're gonna see, man. We're gonna see."

It's a rare and bizarre sight to see a player of Durant's stature learn about a career-changing move while live on stage and without any prior notice. The trade ends a rocky tenure in Phoenix, where Durant was expected to help lead a star-studded Suns roster to a championship.

Despite strong individual numbers—26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season—the team missed the playoffs with a disappointing 36-46 record.

Houston, by contrast, is a young and rising team loaded with promising talent and assets. The Rockets are hoping Durant's experience and scoring prowess will elevate them into contention in the Western Conference. For Durant, this marks yet another chapter in a storied career that has included stops in Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.