Are the Celtics Trading for Kevin Durant? Debunking Viral Trade Rumor

Are the Celtics Trading for Kevin Durant? Debunking Viral Trade Rumor originally appeared on NESN.
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There’s no credible reporting that Kevin Durant is on the trade block or that the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets are discussing a deal.

That hasn’t stopped the rumor from gaining traction.

On Thursday, X account @BBallGround claimed that the Rockets and Celtics are “discussing a massive trade proposal” that involves the 16-time All-Star. The post amassed roughly half a million views within two hours.

The problem? There is no indication that the account is run by a reporter or NBA insider.

The Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are discussing a massive trade proposal that would send Kevin Durant to the Celtics!

Celtics receive:
– Kevin Durant

Rockets receive:
– Jordan Walsh
– Sam Hauser
– Payton Pritchard
– 2031 first-round pick

The Eastern Conference keeps… pic.twitter.com/0QeRHue237

— Basketball Ground (@BBallGround) August 27, 2026

MORE:Celtics-Damian Lillard Trade Speculation Isn’t What It Seems

The account has also made incorrect claims in the past.

For example, it claimed on Aug. 1 that Russell Westbrook and the Thunder were “looking to finalize a one-year, $3.8 million veteran minimum deal” to bring the former MVP back to Oklahoma City.

11 days later, Westbrook announced his retirement.

The Thunder weren’t among the teams that reportedly made Westbrook an offer. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Westbrook had offers from the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards. 

Also, the proposed Celtics-Rockets trade doesn’t work under the NBA’s salary-matching rules. As Celtics reporter Dan Greenberg noted, the salaries of Hauser, Pritchard and Walsh total roughly $21 million, while Durant is owed $43.9 million next season.

This appears to be another example of a social-media rumor gaining traction despite having no credible reporting behind it.

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