Came as part of Big3, but Kevin Durant’s departure from Phoenix was hardly shocking to those who followed the Suns closely. Stephen A. Smith even claimed Durant was “never happy” in Phoenix, going a month without speaking to coach Frank Vogel. The Suns’ 36–46 record and constant coaching changes sealed the inevitable split as the Houston Rockets pounced. But besides the dating rumor with Liz Cambage, another story that might bother Durant is how the Rockets are seeing his value.

Durant’s massive seven-team trade sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, draft picks, and more to Phoenix. Now entering the final year of his deal, Durant is eligible for a two-year, $122.1 million extension. Yet, according to NBC Sports, Houston might hesitate to go that high. One insider suggested he “might dip to about the $100 million mark for two years” instead. For now, the Rockets seem in no rush, even after paying a steep price to acquire him. But finance isn’t the only concern for the Rockets. It is in the roster.

Insider Michael C. Wright points out that Durant turns 37 this season and will face Houston’s physical style of play. “We haven’t witnessed any notable drop-off in play in recent years,” he said, but durability could be tested. With Dorian Finney-Smith replacing Dillon Brooks on the wing, the Rockets still have depth with Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate. Durant’s arrival fills the scoring gap left by Green, yet consistency in the backcourt remains a question.

Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard will carry more offensive responsibility this season. Wright added, “Consistent perimeter marksmanship that complements Durant’s firepower also poses a slight concern.” VanVleet’s playoff shooting surge to 43.5% from deep offers optimism, but perimeter shooting remains a concern.

Wright notes Finney-Smith could ease that issue, having averaged 39.8% or better from three in recent years. For Houston, the gamble is clear: can Durant stay dominant long enough to make it pay off? So for now, it seems that the Rockets are playing it safe and not betting their all on Durant.

Kevin Durant’s finals MVPs still a sore spot for some Warriors fans?

Kevin Durant has never been shy about speaking his mind, especially when it comes to his time in Golden State. This weekend, the Houston Rockets star stirred things up again. On X, he wrote that his NBA Finals MVP wins over Stephen Curry “scarred” Warriors fans. He didn’t stop there, adding in another reply that “they will never recover.”

It’s easy to see why that comment caught attention. Durant and Curry won titles together in 2017 and 2018, with Durant taking home Finals MVP honors both times. Before his arrival, the Warriors had already been champions in 2015, but Andre Iguodala earned Finals MVP then, credited in part for slowing down LeBron James. Curry didn’t capture that individual award until 2022, years after Durant left.

By then, Curry’s 2022 Finals performance against Boston was undeniable. He averaged 31.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting over 48 percent from the field. It was the missing piece in an already legendary resume, but for some fans, those years when Durant shone brightest on the Finals stage still sting.

Interestingly, Durant received loud cheers from Oakland fans during the 2025 NBA All-Star festivities, hinting at a softer side to the relationship. Still, a reunion was nearly in play earlier this year when trade talks linked him back to the Warriors. Durant opposed the move, the deal fell apart, and by July, he was headed to Houston in a seven-team swap.

As he prepares for his first Rockets season, one question lingers. Will time ease the tension with the Golden State faithful, or will those Finals MVP memories keep the relationship complicated? Durant seems content either way, confident in what he achieved and unafraid to remind everyone about it.