NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Leaving Oklahoma City Thunder For Houston Rockets

NBA rumors are swirling around Kevin Durant. The 27-year-old small forward is set to become a free agent this upcoming summer. According to Fox Sports, one potential team to go after Durant will be the Houston Rockets. Dwight Howard, who is ready to opt of the final year of his contract, is set to be a free agent this summer. Houston will likely have more than enough money to offer Durant a max contract.

Kevin Durant could base his free agency decision on whether or not the Oklahoma City Thunder can win an NBA Championship this season. Kendrick Perkins has stated in an interview that Durant’s decision will come down to how far the Thunder make it this postseason. Oklahoma City’s current record is 54-25, a very impressive record so far. The Thunder will have to still go through the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors, both of whom won the championship the past two years.

For the past couple of years, the Houston Rockets have been known to try make a splash either by free agency or trading for someone who could help them contend for an NBA Championship. Signing Kevin Durant this year would help make the Rockets one of the most dangerous offensive units in the National Basketball Association. Having both James Harden and Durant, Houston would boast two top-five offensive players in the league.

Daryl Morey reshaped the entire Houston Rockets roster so they could acquire Dwight Howard. Morey might do the same to bring in Kevin Durant. If Durant does decide to sign with the Rockets, they would have enough cap room to bring in another superstar or a couple of role players to fill the roster. Houston could also bring in Al Horford to spread out the floor for Durant and James Harden. Another player who could also help would be Pau Gasol. Gasol has made it clear that he is willing to be underpaid as long as he gets another shot at winning the title.

Kevin Durant and James Harden’s relationship is a very interesting one. Both players have a strong bond with one another on and off the court. On March 22, when the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder faced off, Harden went to go give Durant’s mother a hug at mid court.

Dwight Howard is going to have make a decision this summer on how much he wants to win an NBA Championship. If Howard is willing to take a pay cut, then the Houston Rockets could end up signing Kevin Durant. The Rockets, on paper, just might have one of the best trios in the National Basketball Association.

If the Houston Rockets do end up signing Kevin Durant, they will have many different lineups to use. Durant is naturally a small forward, but he has the versatility to play the power forward position as well. The Rockets also have small forward Trevor Ariza. If they want to, Houston can go with a small ball lineup, which is currently popular in the NBA. Another option is to put both James Harden and Durant at the forward positions along side a center who can spread out the floor. That way, Harden can drive to the basket and if the defense crashes down on him, he can kick it out to either Durant or Donatas Motiejunas, as both players can knock down the 3-point shot.

Kevin Durant will be the most talked about player when the NBA free agency starts this summer. The strong relationship between James Harden and Durant could bring them together with the Houston Rockets. Daryl Morey would love to make a big splash this summer and is willing to do whatever it takes to help bring an NBA Championship to Houston. Dwight Howard can take a pay cut to return to the Rockets, or they can bring in help via free agency. With the addition of Durant, Houston has a great shot at winning the title.