Man, oh man, Kevin Durant has been at the center of the NBA trade discussions and speculations since the offseason began. His time in Phoenix was productive, for him at least. He put up some of his best numbers in his career at a point where most veteran players see their numbers slowly decline. Despite his age, he seems to just be getting better. The Suns were not able to establish a level of chemistry between KD and their other star, Devin Booker. As a result of KD’s wishes to win another title before he retires, a trade was on the cards.
Kevin Durant’s time in Arizona with the Suns did not produce a title
Everybody knew that KD’s time in Arizona was coming to an end. Like an Arizona iced tea, KD was as sweet and graceful as ever in the NBA this season and maintained a level of performance that other players can only dream of at that age. The question we all had on our minds was, where would KD end up? And how much was the 15-time All-Star worth?
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.”
Can the Houston Rockets deliver KD his wish of a title before retiring
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.
Coaches Database/Reuters
