After an early playoff exit, the Houston Rockets are looking to strengthen their roster with a veteran presence to boost both regular season consistency and postseason success. Kevin Durant, who continues to perform at a high level despite his age, has been linked to the team as a potential addition. However, the Rockets reportedly have reservations about pursuing Durant and the reason behind their hesitation is catching many by surprise.

“Team sources said the Rockets still have significant reservations about that possible partnership, in large part, because Durant’s age (36) would be so out of sync with their younger timeline. It’s worth noting that previous talks between the teams about Durant, team sources said, were initiated by the Suns,” reported Kelly Iko and Sam Amick on the Athletic.

For many fans, ruling out Kevin Durant because of his age is surprising, especially given the reported desire for an experienced player. However, the players under consideration are experienced, but not veterans. As the goal is to build a team with long-term potential, they want to compete not just for one or two NBA seasons. They also aim to maintain consistency over time. Because of that, profiles like Devin Booker (28) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (30) fit perfectly with the project.

However, their arrival seems complicated. Reports say Booker is no longer an option and Giannis remains a difficult target due to strong competition for him. For that reason, some people inside the organization disagree with ruling out a veteran presence like Kevin Durant, as he could bring many advantages. For instance, young players like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun would benefit greatly from playing alongside him.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves

Besides, his presence could elevate the performance of more experienced teammates, such as Fred VanVleet. Durant has already had that kind of impact in other franchises. Thus, just because the Rockets have doubts does not mean the deal is off. On the contrary, there is still time, and if they manage to keep their young core, his arrival could be a major win.

How Kevin Durant performed in the 2024–25 NBA season with the Phoenix Suns?

Despite having a stellar roster, the Phoenix Suns did not perform well during the 2024–25 NBA season. They struggled with consistency, which led them to finish 11th in the Western Conference. As a result, they missed the playoffs. However, Kevin Durant still emerged as one of the most impactful players on the team.

The veteran forward played in 62 games throughout the season. In that stretch, he averaged 26.6 points per game. Also, He contributed 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per outing. Thanks to those numbers, he became the team’s top scorer. He finished ahead of both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Because of his consistent performance, several teams remain interested in him. Durant continues to impress as an elite offensive player. He also has experience leading young teams, which makes him an attractive option. This reputation keeps his value high, even at this stage of his career.