The Houston Rockets surprised everyone with their performance in the 2024-25 season but faltered in the playoffs, getting eliminated in the first round. To address this, the team decided to bring in Kevin Durant as the offensive leader, counting on his experience to make a crucial difference in the postseason. While the veteran adds undeniable strength, the team’s general manager, Rafael Stone, discusses the sacrifices necessary to bring him on board.
“We’re really happy with it (Kevin Durant’s trade). I’ve gotten to know Kevin a little bit, and I’m really happy with him as a person. But the flip side of that is — Dillon (Brooks) and Jalen (Green) were just awesome. As people and as co-workers, they were amazing. We were the number two seed last year, on a very, very, very young team,” Rafael Stone said, via ESPN.
The Houston Rockets’ decision to part ways with Jalen Green has ignited intense debate among fans, who perceive the move as fraught with risk. This bold step stems from the acquisition of Kevin Durant on a one-year deal, offering a unique chance for him to spearhead a championship run and justify the team’s decision to trade the promising young star.
During the previous season, Jalen Green emerged as one of the NBA‘s most exciting talents. Over 82 games, he recorded impressive averages of 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. At just 22, he showcased potential that could have driven the Rockets’ offense for years. Yet, his inexperience in leading the team through the postseason ultimately influenced the franchise’s decision to move forward without him.
Is Kevin Durant the missing piece for the Houston Rockets’ rise in their project?
Although the Houston Rockets managed to remain one of the strongest teams in the NBA defensively and collectively, their lack of offensive power ultimately knocked them out in the first round of the playoffs. Therefore, Kevin Durant’s addition to head coach Ime Udoka’s roster feels like the missing piece needed to make a significant impact in the postseason.
At 36, Durant has impressively maintained his scoring average of 26.6 points per game, even amid the Phoenix Suns’ struggles to stand out as a cohesive unit. His influence on a more compact team, where he would shoulder less defensive burden, could be transformative.
Nonetheless, one of the biggest dilemmas is whether he will extend his stay beyond 2026 as a longer tenure could enhance his time with the franchise, offering more opportunities to compete for a championship.