Ex-Thunder $90M two-time NBA champion predicted to request a trade from Rockets in abrupt ending
· Yahoo Sports
Ex-Thunder $90M two-time NBA champion predicted to request a trade from Rockets in abrupt ending originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Rockets' season ended in disappointment after a first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Injuries also played a significant role throughout the year, as Houston was without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams for stretches of the season.
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Both veterans served as important leaders for the Rockets, and their absences extended beyond what they provided on the court. Missing games and practices impacted the team's overall development and leadership.
“Interviews with team sources and those with knowledge of the team's operations reveal that the VanVleet injury, and the season-ending ankle injury to Steven Adams later on, impacted the team in ways that extended off the floor. Beyond the team's glaring lack of playmaking, their absences created a massive leadership void that Durant and the team struggled to fill,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon wrote.
Following the disappointing season, speculation has begun to surface about Kevin Durant's future in Houston. According to reports, the Rockets do not view the superstar forward as untouchable in trade discussions.
“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don't view him as an “untouchable” talent in trade talks on their roster. Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
That has only fueled more speculation surrounding Durant's future. Some now believe the two-time NBA champion could eventually request a trade if things don't improve.
“After failing to make it off the launch pad—despite Durant looking every bit the part of his net-shredding best—does Houston just cross its fingers now and hope problems solve themselves? Because it's been a fairly sleepy summer in Space City, save for Tari Eason's new contract and the signing of veteran role players Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović. Maybe Durant is confident in what this club has, but his first season as a part of it did not seem remotely fun. And it would hardly be out of his norm to tire of his hoops home and seek out a fresh start elsewhere,” Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote.
If Durant were to request a trade, it would mark another dramatic chapter in his career. Houston could also view such a move as an opportunity to continue getting younger while adding valuable assets in return.
Durant is currently on a $90 million contract with the Rockets, making him a realistic trade target for teams willing to take on his salary. If the former MVP is ultimately moved, it would add another major storyline to an already eventful NBA offseason.
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