The NBA world is still talking about the shocking moment of Luka Doncic getting traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Kevin Durant has joined the list of many NBA stars to express their individual shock over seeing one of the most popular and best players in the league getting moved out of the blue.
Durant himself was part of a blockbuster trade when the Brooklyn Nets shipped him to the Phoenix Suns two years earlier, as a move many considered one of the biggest trades in NBA history. Yet, Durant now believes the Doncic for Anthony Davis swap surpasses all trades in league history.
As reported by AZ Central, Durant called it the most shocking trade he’s ever witnessed. “This got to be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since I’ve been watching the sport. This is insane,” Durant said, emphasizing that players of his caliber were just as stunned as the fans. No other trade has led to players publicly expressing their shock over the situation.
Durant Thinks Luka Trade Changed League
Durant has long lived under a microscope, both for his career choices and the aftermath. His decision to join the 73-win Golden State Warriors remains a punchline for critics, while the disappointing endings with the Nets and Suns serve as reminders that a move can damage a legacy through results, not just perception and narratives.
Reflecting on Luka’s trade, Durant suggested it signals a shift in how franchises approach their stars. In his view, front offices are less hesitant to gamble on seismic changes, even if it means parting with a franchise player.
“Every other team might get confidence and say, ‘(expletive) it, I’ll trade a few of my top players if this ain’t working,’” Durant said, noting that even elite names could be more expendable. As a Houston Rockets forward now, he speaks from experience since his two last stops ended with blockbuster trades.
Suns Upset Durant During Trade Talks
Durant also opened up about the personal sting of being shopped without his knowledge. His move from Brooklyn to Phoenix came with full control to select his preferred destinations of the Suns and Miami Heat. The Nets honored that choice, but the situation with the Suns ended differently.
Phoenix’s title dreams quickly unraveled, and by early in the 2024–25 season, the franchise knew change was needed. Without informing him, the Suns explored a deal to send Durant back to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and other assets. Durant later admitted his frustration at having to hear about it from outside sources rather than the team itself.
Ultimately, Durant played a key role in blocking the Golden State reunion, preferring to wait for the offseason to have more time to prepare for such a change. The Rockets eventually landed Durant, aiming to give him both stability and a fresh opportunity. Durant has a lot of pressure to succeed in Houston, but time will tell if it becomes his final stop. The future Hall of Famer knows that no one is safe from trades, including stars like him and Luka.
Kevin Durant Makes Bold Claim About Luka Trade