NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant could leave the Rockets after one season

The most likely scenario is that Kevin Durant will start the next season with the Houston Rockets, already in the first year of the two-year, 90 million dollar extension he signed upon his arrival last summer. However, that bond may not be exhausted since the player has an option for the 2027-28 season that would allow him to become a free agent in two years.

If he chooses to execute that option, Durant would earn 47 million dollars in that season. Nevertheless, his age — he will be 39 — and doubts about his value in the market could influence his decision. In that context, all signs point to opting for that last year as the safest option, especially at a time when it is increasingly difficult to find teams willing to bet on him despite his undeniable talent.

The sporting situation doesn't help dispel doubts either. The recent defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Houston squandered a 13-point lead in the last three minutes before falling in overtime, has highlighted the team's internal problems. In that context, Durant's figure is at the center of criticism, fueling the sense that something isn't quite fitting within the team dynamics.

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Speculations are not new. After the All-Star break, when the Rockets had a record of 33-20, rumors surfaced on social media about possible derogatory comments by the player towards his teammates through an anonymous account. Since then, the team has recorded a 10-9 record.

However, the collective performance decline was already present. Individually, Durant maintains notable figures: averaging 26 points per game with 51.8% field goal shooting, 41.1% from three-point range, and 87.8% from the free-throw line. Nevertheless, his figure continues to be pointed out as one of the factors explaining the team's issues, further impacting his reputation.

A complicated trade

According to an Eastern Conference executive's opinion, it would be very difficult for Houston to find an exit for Durant in the upcoming market if they decided to trade him. That executive suggests that the player is not easy to integrate into a locker room and does not contribute to uniting the group.

He also points to a supposed lack of patience with his teammates and proposes two possible approaches in this stage of his career: to act as a mentor or to show frustration with those who do not follow his way of understanding the game, placing Durant in this second profile. Faced with this scenario, the big question is what path the franchise will take. One of the alternatives being considered is to attempt the signing of Giannis Antetokounmpo if he ultimately becomes available on the market this summer, although the Rockets also aim to protect their young talents.

Additionally, the team hopes to regain Fred VanVleet, whose absence has been identified as one of the main issues, lacking a veteran point guard capable of leading the group. The possible return of VanVleet raises new questions: whether his presence will suffice to improve the team dynamics or if, conversely, Houston will decide to move Durant.

After his stints with the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns, the question remains whether any franchise will be willing to take the risk of acquiring him despite his statistical performance. The executive sums it up clearly: there will always be teams interested based on the numbers, but taking the definitive step to close a deal of that magnitude is a different matter.