Kevin Durant, what if Houston regrets it? The scenario that could turn the NBA upside down
The Rockets' performance with KD last season was far from what was dreamt of.
Kevin Durant has been in Houston for a while now, but his arrival still represents one of the major bets for the Rockets to try to make the definitive leap towards championship contention. However, after a particularly disappointing past season, the franchise faces a new season with many more doubts than it probably expected when it invested in the veteran forward.
At 37, Durant remains one of the most pivotal scorers in NBA history, but the context in Houston could change if the results continue to fall below expectations. Initially, the possibility of the Rockets trading him soon is very slim. The franchise built a significant part of its project around him, and it would not make sense to part ways without a significant shift in the sports situation first.
But precisely for that reason, it is worth considering the opposite scenario: What if Houston fails again?
The past season left a particularly bitter taste. The Rockets had high expectations and aimed to establish themselves as one of the major teams in the Western Conference, but their performance ended up well below expectations. This context makes the upcoming season a crucial test for the franchise. If the team does not make the competitive leap expected, the management could start to wonder if maintaining the project unchanged makes sense.
And this is where Durant would emerge as the big name in the market.
The forward would still hold significant value despite approaching 38. His ability to score, playoff experience, and track record as a Finals MVP and champion would immediately make him one of the most sought-after players if Houston decided to entertain offers. It would not be an easy decision, but it could enable the Rockets to regain assets and redirect a project that may not have worked out as planned.
Among the destinations frequently proposed by fans are Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers. These possibilities should not be taken as actual negotiations or Houston's intention to part ways with the player. They are hypothetical scenarios to gauge which teams might be interested if Durant were to become available.
Detroit would be one of the more attractive destinations. The Pistons need to continue growing around their young core, and adding Durant would instantly bring in a top-notch offensive reference. His experience could be particularly valuable to a team looking to make the final push towards the playoffs and subsequently compete for significant titles.
Golden State would, of course, be the most high-profile scenario. Durant was already a key piece of the championship-winning Warriors team, and a return to the Bay Area would have all the elements to become one of the major splashes in the NBA. Sportingly, it would also allow Golden State to once again trust a player who knows perfectly the pressure of competing for the ring.
Are the Raptors and Sixers options for Kevin Durant?
Toronto and Philadelphia also emerge as teams that might explore such a significant exchange. Both would have sporting arguments to try and add a star of Durant's caliber if Houston decided to make him available.
Regarding the possible pieces that could return to the Rockets, the most common scenarios include Duncan Robinson, present in 14% of proposals, followed by Isaiah Joe (11%), Taurean Prince (9%), and Chaz Lanier (8%). These data stem from fans' suggestions and do not mirror actual negotiations between franchises.
Currently, Houston doesn't seem to have any reason to trade Durant. The goal remains to compete and prove that the investment in the veteran can elevate the team to another level. However, after a particularly disappointing past season, patience will not be infinite.
If the Rockets once again fall short of expectations, Durant's name could start surfacing in rumors much more seriously. And then, what today seems like a remote possibility could become one of the major earthquakes in the NBA.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kevin Durant, ¿y si Houston se arrepiente? El escenario que podría poner la NBA patas arriba
