The Houston Rockets have made no secret of their ambitions to reshape their roster, with one name at the top of their list: Kevin Durant. But what many might not realize is that the story behind Durant’s potential move to Houston isn’t just about basketball—it’s about relationships, connections, and the Rockets’ long-term vision.
Since last year, I’ve been monitoring the evolving dynamic between Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. As most of you know, these two have been close for a while. From their time with the Brooklyn Nets to Irving’s eventual move to Dallas, the bond between KD and Kyrie has been at the center of countless rumors. But as Kyrie’s future in Dallas is somewhat uncertain, there’s more to this story—especially as it relates to KD’s plans for his next chapter.
The Houston Rockets’ Ambitious Vision
The Rockets, a team that’s been rebuilding for years, are on the lookout for that next big move. With young talent in place, they’ve made it clear they’re not just focused on the draft and internal development. Houston’s front office is eyeing superstars, and there’s one name at the top of their list: Kevin Durant.
It’s no secret that Durant has always admired Houston’s culture, its potential, and its growing star power. The Rockets’ rise is exactly what Durant loves: a team with an upward trajectory that is just a few pieces away from contending for a championship.
But there’s more to this story than just basketball. Kyrie Irving is one of Durant’s closest friends in the NBA, and the two have been linked in every possible way since their time in Brooklyn. After Kyrie’s departure from the Nets and his move to Dallas, many of us have been tracking the ripple effects on Durant’s own situation.
Kevin Durant’s Ties to Ime Udoka and Royal Ivey
While Kyrie Irving is a significant factor in Durant’s decision-making process, there are other important relationships that could influence Durant’s next move—and they both tie back to the Houston Rockets.
First, let’s talk about Ime Udoka. When Durant played for the Brooklyn Nets, Udoka was an assistant coach on the staff. The relationship between Durant and Udoka was a solid one, with Udoka’s presence as a coach helping Durant on and off the court. Udoka, now the head coach of the Rockets, is known for his strong leadership and basketball IQ, both of which Durant highly respects. If Durant were to make a move to Houston, his past ties to Udoka could certainly play a role in that decision, adding another layer of familiarity and trust in the Rockets’ organization.
Next, there’s Royal Ivey, a current assistant coach with the Rockets and one of Durant’s closest friends. Durant and Ivey’s relationship goes far beyond just basketball. Ivey’s daughter is even one of Durant’s godchildren, a testament to the close personal bond between the two. This connection to Ivey could be significant in Durant’s potential decision to join the Rockets, as Durant values loyalty and strong personal relationships. Having someone like Ivey, who knows him well and shares a personal connection, could make Houston a much more appealing destination for Durant.
The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls: The Teams Interested in KD
Beyond Houston’s interest, I reported earlier that the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls also had some level of interest in acquiring Kevin Durant. As of June 25, 2024, both teams were keeping tabs on the superstar forward, which only adds more intrigue to Durant’s situation. With multiple teams looking to bring Durant into their fold, the competition is heating up, and the Rockets have to do more than just present an attractive offer—they need to convince Durant that Houston is the right place to chase championships.
Kevin Durant’s Trade Deadline Drama: Rockets Among Teams in Pursuit
During the NBA’s trade deadline this year, I reported a significant update on Durant’s status, which only added fuel to the speculation surrounding his future. On February 5, I reported that Kevin Durant had been assured by Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia that the Suns would not trade him. Despite this, Durant was still the subject of significant trade interest. According to a Suns source, several teams reached out to Phoenix about the possibility of acquiring the superstar forward, including the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Washington Wizards.
Notably, the Washington Wizards reportedly offered Kyle Kuzma and picks for Durant, but the Suns weren’t interested in moving him. This further solidified Durant’s place in Phoenix for the time being. But the fact that Houston was among the teams actively exploring a deal for Durant shows just how seriously the Rockets are pursuing a superstar to take them to the next level.
The Kyrie Irving Effect in Dallas
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving’s role in shaping his team’s future cannot be overlooked. As I discussed last month, Kyrie’s decision to sign with the Dallas Mavericks was driven by his desire to recruit top talent and ultimately win a championship. Klay Thompson’s recent move to the Mavericks also came in part due to Kyrie’s influence, showing the power of his presence in Dallas.
Kyrie’s impact is even more apparent when considering his longstanding relationship with Anthony Davis, a connection that dates back years. On The A Train Show Podcast, I broke down these intricate relationships and how they extend to figures like Nico Harrison, Luka Doncic, and of course, Kevin Durant. These connections are vital in understanding not only how Kyrie is shaping the Mavericks’ future but also how they could potentially influence Durant’s decision-making process.
The Untold Story of KD and Kyrie’s Brooklyn Exit
A key piece of the Durant-Irving saga was their final months as teammates in Brooklyn. In December 2022, as I reported for the first time, Durant and Irving were already discussing the possibility of teaming up on other squads. The Phoenix Suns were at the top of their list as a preferred destination.
As part of this plan, the Nets and Suns explored a trade deal involving KD and Kyrie in exchange for Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. I confirmed this with four separate sources—two from Phoenix and two from Brooklyn. However, the deal fell apart when James Jones, Phoenix’s GM, didn’t want Irving, and Brooklyn’s Sean Marks was uninterested in Ayton. The discussions escalated to the point where the GMs had to involve their team owners, Matt Ishbia of the Suns and Joe Tsai of the Nets, to hash things out. In the end, Durant went to Phoenix, and Kyrie moved to Dallas. But the reality is, these discussions only deepened the connection between Durant and Phoenix, and it’s a major reason why the Rockets’ pursuit of KD remains such a compelling story.
The Rockets’ Next Steps
Houston is positioning itself to make a serious run at a championship, and they understand that in order to do that, they need superstars. Kevin Durant is at the top of that list, and their pursuit of him is no longer just a pipe dream—it’s a very real possibility.
However, Houston has to get creative. The Rockets have a stacked roster of young talent, and pairing that with a proven superstar like Durant could accelerate their timeline. But the key will be whether or not Durant is ready to make the jump. As this situation unfolds, it’s clear that Houston is making its move. The question is not if the Rockets want Kevin Durant—it’s whether or not the pieces align, both on the court and off it.
The Rockets’ front office is watching closely, and so should we.
