A Major Three-Team Trade Once Discussed! Durant to Pistons + Sengun to Celtics, Rockets Ultimately Rejected

On July 3rd, Beijing time, according to Clutchpoints reporter Seager, a significant three-team trade briefly entered the discussion phase. The deal involved Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Sengun, which is quite remarkable.

Seager stated, "The parties involved did discuss a trade involving Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, and Alperen Sengun at one point... The original plan was for Durant to go to the Pistons; the Celtics would receive Sengun; and Brown would be sent to the Rockets. Ultimately, Houston rejected this package, and the deal fell through."

Seager later added on social media, "The Celtics were looking to maximize their value when trading Brown. The Pistons expressed interest in Durant, and the Celtics were willing to trade Brown to Houston provided they could acquire Sengun. The Rockets then indicated they were not interested in this framework, as they have clearly stated they do not want to trade away their two star players."

Durant played 78 regular season games in the 2025-26 season, averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 52% and 41.3% from three-point range, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. With his long frame and high release point, his mid-to-long range shooting is stable and unstoppable. He possesses the ability to initiate offense with the ball and play off the ball, maintaining a balanced impact on both ends of the floor.

Brown played 71 regular season games in the 2025-26 season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field. He finished sixth in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. His driving force is strong, his physical play is solid, and he can lock down opposing perimeter stars on defense. Ultimately, he was traded to the 76ers.

Sengun played 72 regular season games in the 2025-26 season, averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. His post footwork is delicate, and his high-post playmaking is top-tier, capable of energizing the entire team's offense. His weaknesses include average three-point efficiency and a lack of rim-protection physicality.