Rockets' Ime Udoka Reportedly Pushed for Kevin Durant Trade Amid NBA Rumors
News of the Houston Rockets' acquisition of star forward Kevin Durant in a trade with the Phoenix Suns was music to head coach Ime Udoka's ears.
During Monday's episode of First Take, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Udoka pushed hard behind the scenes for the Rockets to acquire Durant, and they granted his wish on Sunday.
"He wanted him, he went to the ownership and front office and said, 'If we can get Kevin Durant, get him," Windhorst said.
Houston sent guard Jalen Green, forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in Wednesday's 2025 NBA draft and five second-round picks to Phoenix to acquire Durant. The 36-year-old instantly makes the Rockets title contenders and joins a strong core that includes veteran guard Fred VanVleet, 2025 All-Star center Alperen Sengun and All-Defensive first-team wing Amen Thompson.
Durant and Udoka developed a relationship during their time together with the Brooklyn Nets when Udoka was an assistant under Steve Nash. Houston assistant coach Royal Ivey also has a close friendship with the former NBA MVP after they played together with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Rockets have steadily improved in the two seasons under Udoka's direction, making a 19-win improvement in his first year to 41-41 and finishing second in the Western Conference this past season with a 52-30 record. Houston's run disappointingly came to an end in the first round of the playoffs with a loss to the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
Durant's presence should pay significant dividends for the Rockets' young players, and he will give the franchise a strong chance to make a deeper postseason run and compete for an NBA championship next season.
