Kevin Durant has been the most talked-about player in the NBA this offseason. His time in Phoenix came to an end with the record-breaking deal that sent him to the Rockets. Now, like a true cowboy, Kevin Durant plans to ride off into the sunset in Texas with the Rockets. The Rockets have developed a truly competitive squad that has all the potential to become champions for the first time in 30 years. The 15-time All-Star has played for some of the best teams in the NBA and won two titles in his time with the Golden State Warriors. Like Michael Jordan in Chicago, KD is looking to end his career with a title.
The writing was on the wall for Kevin Durant and the Suns this season
From the beginning of the season, we all knew that Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix was coming to an end. And like a customer at a buffet, he was spoilt for choice as to where he would end up. At least partially. The Suns were happy to oblige his wishes to join a championship-contending squad, but made it clear to KD and the public that they would do what was best for the organization.
The list of suitors for Kevin Durant read like stock traders all trying to get that elusive winning trade that could bring immediate success. The Rockets have a proud history, encapsulated by a long list of stars who all came to Houston with a title on their mind. James Harden and Yao Ming both had illustrious careers in Houston, but never produced a title. The last time Houston was a realistic title contender, they were led by legendary center Hakeem Olajuwon in the ’90s.
Kevin Durant was spoiled for choice when it came to his trade destinations
Once the regular season came to an end, the rumors began to circle Kevin Durant like a shark that smelled blood in the water. Despite setting scoring records in Phoenix, the Suns and KD were both of the opinion that the time for him to move on had come. The list of teams that reportedly made offers was immense, and KD had a few preferred destinations for the last leg of his incredible career.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat were all throwing their hats into the mix, but ultimately, the Rockets were able to mastermind a truly astonishing, record-breaking trade that set the league into a whirlwind of shock and amazement for its sheer complexity. The 7-team trade was unlike anything the NBA has witnessed before.
KD plans to end his career in Houston, and the Rockets could not be happier
As with all the breaking news in the NBA, Shams Charania has now reported that the 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion plans to retire in Houston, if they can win a title, that is. Shams predicted on the Pat McAfee podcast, where he stated:
“Kevin Durant is approaching this as a partnership. There’s a goal on both sides to end his career in Houston. In the NBA now, what teams are dealing with is essentially some version of a hard (salary) cap. How can he make it easy on Houston, and how can Houston do right by him? I think that will be a conversation at some point this offseason.”
Will the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy be coming to Texas
If Kevin Durant has the same kind of season that he had last year, then yes(hopefully). Durant is an era-defining player and one of the most potent scorers in NBA history. Whether it’s his devastating mid-range shot, his ability to drive into the paint, or simply to outthink the less experienced players, his skill sets him apart for the upcoming season. No matter where he ended up, Durant is due a title. He has consistently earned his way into the Hall of Fame by becoming part of the NBA’s landscape. Will KD and the Rockets be lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy in 2025-26? Stay tuned to find out.
