Just moments ago, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in a massive, blockbuster Western Conference deal. Within the deal, Phoenix received rising star Jalen Green, defensive specialist Dillon Brooks, the tenth overall pick of next week's draft, and an absurd five second-round picks.
This trade has high implications for Houston and Phoenix, of course, but also several other contenders in the Western Conference. The winningest teams of the bunch, like the LA Clippers, now have a tier-one championship contender to fight through in H-Town.
What adds insult to injury is that Houston was already the second seed this season and almost came back from a 3-1 playoff deficit to the Golden State Warriors. By adding one of the greatest scorers in history to a young and promising situation, they are arguably the best team in basketball.
The LA Clippers will have a real fight to win next season, with the Houston Rockets adding a ridiculous amount of firepower
The Houston Rockets needed a surge of offense, and they found the best available for Kevin Durant. On the flip side, all it took was a lottery pick, late draft choices, and two quality role players who consistently bring something to the table on a nightly basis.
Moreover, having a starting five of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr, and Alperen Şengün is a scary sight. This does not even factor in who they have as head coach, Ime Udoka, one of the best in the world who was recently extended and a durable second unit.
The Rockets now have a legitimate chance at winning the most formidable conference of all time next season, and nothing will stop them if they remain healthy.
However, for the LA Clippers, next season will not be easy. It will all depend on how executive Lawrence Frank approaches the offseason, but the number two seed acquiring a top-five player in basketball makes the competition in the Western Conference even more challenging than it already was.
Additionally, the Rockets took the top player away from the Clippers' radar. Sure, the Suns may not have wanted to talk with LA unless Ivica Zubac was in the conversation, but there were plenty of other high-value players Phoenix could have requested for the four-time scoring champion.
Nonetheless, the Rockets improved significantly and appear to have won the trade, given they did not have to split up much of their core for the two-time NBA champion.