Kevin Durant is arguably the most efficient scoring machine to ever lace up a pair of Nikes. Honestly, his career has been a wild ride of "what ifs" and "holy cow" moments. Whether you love him or hate him for the jersey swaps, you can't deny the impact he's had on every single city he’s called home.
Basically, the answer to what teams did Kevin Durant play for isn't just a list of names; it’s a roadmap of the modern NBA’s evolution. From the rainy streets of Seattle to the bright lights of Phoenix—and eventually a massive move to Houston—KD has been everywhere.
The Early Days: Seattle SuperSonics and the Move to OKC
It’s weird to think about now, but Durant actually started his career in a green and gold jersey. The Seattle SuperSonics took him second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft. He was this skinny, 19-year-old kid from Texas who looked like he might snap in half, but he was putting up 20 points a game like it was nothing.
He won Rookie of the Year in Seattle. Then, things got messy with the franchise's ownership, and suddenly, the team was packing bags for Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Era (2008–2016)
This is where KD became the KD. For eight seasons in OKC, he was the face of a rising dynasty alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
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- The MVP Year: In 2014, he gave that famous "You the real MVP" speech to his mom after winning the league's top individual honor.
- The 2012 Finals: They were so young. They ran into LeBron’s Heat and lost, but everyone thought they’d be back ten times.
- The Heartbreak: In 2016, the Thunder were up 3-1 against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals and blew it. That loss changed the course of basketball history.
The Decision That Broke the Internet: Golden State Warriors (2016–2019)
If you were on Twitter (now X) on July 4, 2016, you remember exactly where you were. Durant joined the 73-win Golden State Warriors. People were furious. They called it the "weakest move in sports history," but the results on the court were undeniable.
He didn't just join a great team; he became their best player when it mattered most. He won two titles in 2017 and 2018, taking home Finals MVP both times. He was literally unguardable. But even with the rings, it felt like he was never fully "one of them" compared to Steph Curry. It all ended with a devastating Achilles tear in the 2019 Finals.
The Brooklyn Experiment (2019–2023)
Durant wanted to build something of his own, so he headed to New York to join forces with Kyrie Irving. The Brooklyn Nets era was... complicated. He sat out a whole year to rehab that Achilles. When he came back, he looked better than ever, which is almost unheard of for that injury.
Eventually, James Harden joined them. It was supposed to be a "Big Three" for the ages. Instead, it was a mess of injuries, trade requests, and off-court drama. Durant played some of his best individual basketball there, but the team never made it past the second round.
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Desert Heat: The Phoenix Suns (2023–2025)
At the 2023 trade deadline, the NBA landscape shifted again. KD was sent to the Phoenix Suns to team up with Devin Booker. The expectations were sky-high.
His time in Phoenix was a bit of a mixed bag. He put up insane shooting splits, hitting the 55-40-90 mark (field goal, three-point, and free throw percentages) in 2023, which is just stupidly efficient. But after a first-round sweep in 2024 and missing the playoffs in 2025, the Suns decided to blow it up.
The Latest Chapter: Houston Rockets (2025–Present)
In a move that shocked everyone in July 2025, Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets. It’s kinda full circle, isn't it? He’s back in Texas, the state where he dominated in college.
As of early 2026, he’s still playing at an All-NBA level. He just agreed to a $90 million extension to stay with the Rockets through his late 30s. He’s currently leading a young core, proving that even as the "old guy" on the court, he can still drop 30 on your head whenever he feels like it.
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Summary of Every Team KD Has Played For:
- Seattle SuperSonics (2007–2008)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2016)
- Golden State Warriors (2016–2019)
- Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023)
- Phoenix Suns (2023–2025)
- Houston Rockets (2025–Present)
Why His Journey Matters
KD’s path is the ultimate example of "Player Empowerment." He never stayed where he wasn't happy. He chased rings, then he chased a specific "vibe," and now he's chasing a legacy of longevity.
A lot of experts, like Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons, have debated his "nomadic" nature. Some say it hurts his all-time ranking. Others argue it shows his adaptability. Think about it—he has fit into every system he’s joined and made them title contenders immediately. That’s rare.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to follow KD's journey or even invest in a piece of his history, here’s what you should do:
- Track the Scoring Record: KD is currently hunting down the top spots on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Every game in Houston is a must-watch as he climbs higher.
- Watch the "Sonics" Gear: Since the SuperSonics might be returning as an expansion team soon, KD’s original Seattle rookie jerseys are becoming massive collector items. Keep an eye on eBay or Grailed.
- Study the Shooting Form: If you’re a player, don’t try to be 7 feet tall, but do study his footwork on the mid-range pull-up. It’s the one constant across all six of his career stops.
KD is a basketball unicorn. Whether he’s in a Thunder, Warrior, or Rocket jersey, the game is just better when he's on the floor.