On June 25, two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. This deal shocked the league, and although both sides got what they wanted, public opinion generally believed that the real biggest winner and loser of this deal might be Durant himself .

In this trade, the Rockets sent guard Jalen Green, forward Dillon Brooks and six draft picks, including the 10th pick in this year's draft, and five future second-round picks. The Suns got the opportunity to clear salary space and rebuild chips - for a team that only won 36 games last season and had the highest salary in the league, this is a much-needed adjustment.

The Rockets have also acquired Durant, an experienced and top-level scorer. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, proving that he is still one of the league's most lethal offensive weapons. More importantly, Durant has a good personal relationship with Rockets coach Udoka. The two have worked together in the Brooklyn Nets and the U.S. national team, and their tacit understanding is exciting.

But for the 36-year-old Durant, this is not only a deal, but also a gamble - a chance to redeem himself or to bid farewell to his legendary status. Throughout his career, Durant's scoring ability has never been questioned, but his ability to lead a team has always been controversial. From leading the Thunder to the finals in 2012 but losing to the Heat, to joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016 and winning two championships, but always being criticized for "clinging to thighs", Durant has always been questioned for his inability to lead a team to the championship alone.

He then moved to the Brooklyn Nets to form a Big Three, but the plan eventually came to nothing due to injuries and chemistry issues. After joining the Suns, he still failed to win, which only deepened the impression of the outside world that he "failed to chase the championship." Now, after moving to the Rockets, a young team with a complete lineup but lacking experience, Durant finally has the opportunity to prove himself again as the "real boss." If he can lead the Rockets to stand out in the fiercely competitive Western Conference and even win the championship trophy, he will completely get rid of the label of "only being a deputy."

However, if the Rockets still cannot make a breakthrough under Durant's leadership, he may become the biggest loser in this deal. Especially in the context of the Thunder, where he used to play, just winning the first championship in team history, if Durant misses the championship again, his historical status may be further solidified as a "super scorer" rather than a "legend who can lead a team to the championship."