“I think trading KD to Houston actually helps the Rockets’ young guys” – Kevin Garnett highlighted two Houston players who’ll benefit the most from Kevin Durant’s arrival originally appeared on Basketball Network.
One thing was certain before this offseason even started – Kevin Durant was leaving the Phoenix Suns. He was close to doing so back in February, but he decided to stay loyal to the team he started the season with and in the end, they didn’t even make the play-in tournament, despite having Devin Booker and Bradley Beal alongside Durant.
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After a fantastic season where he averaged 26.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field, KD could hardly blame himself for the team’s failure, but he was certainly aware that this team lacked a winning mentality and at his age, he simply doesn’t have time to wait anymore.
After many trade speculations, Durant is returning to Texas, where he played college ball. The Houston Rockets gave up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and five second-round picks for him.
Kevin Garnett, in a conversation with Paul Pierce on the “KG Certified Podcast,” explained how chasing a ring isn’t Durant’s only mission in Houston.
“I think trading KD to Houston actually helps the Rockets’ young guys. When you have a player of that status — I don’t see KD coming in and being the vocal leader how they might expect,” Garnett said. “I’ll use Paul as an example — I was way more vocal than him, but we were both leaders. When Paul spoke, everyone shut up.”
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“Some leaders, like my dog here, just worked. You’d see him lifting weights, playing one-on-one and he wouldn’t say s—t. If you’re not on the same energy as him, guess what — you’re behind him. Bro, Paul doesn’t need to say anything, he just does it. KD’s on the same thing. I get what it looks like, but in reality, when you’re in the foxhole, not everyone is on the same accord. KD’s arrival to the Rockets brings not just stability but a level of confidence,” continued Garnett.
It’s hard to say how KD will look in his 19th season
And indeed, when we look at KD joining a young, talented team that finished second in the very tough Western Conference last season and after pushing the Golden State Warriors — led by Hall of Famers Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler — to seven games in the first round, the outlook looks bright.
Of course, it’s hard to say how Durant will look in his 19th season since he’s not getting any younger, but given how efficiently he played after his Achilles injury and knowing his work ethic, it’s likely we’re in for an interesting season.
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Garnett especially highlights two wing players on the Rockets whose further rise in the league will hinge on Durant.
“So, learn from a two-time NBA champion, MVP — watch his shooting, his arc, his technique, how he works on his bag, how he works on his body. Man, that’s what you want as a young guy, especially Amen [Thompson] and Jabari [Smith]. Man, that’s their path. So, I see the effect of what this could be, but then I see the other side — ego,” Garnett warned.
“To not be long-winded, I think this is great for Houston’s DNA and the culture Ime is trying to build there. Their championship window is three years now. And guess what — I think they’ll make the conference finals in one of those. Durant’s good enough to take them there and they’ve got pieces. Bro, I like Houston,” Garnett concluded.
Durant brings everything the young Rockets lacked last season
When we look at the main problems this team had last season, KD basically solves all of them himself. They didn’t have a clearly defined leader of the team — Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green alternated in that role. Then shooting was an issue, as well as having a veteran pressence on the court.
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Durant brings everything the young Rockets lacked last season for a breakthrough because, for example, Sengun was projected as the team’s first option but showed some offensive limits — 45 percent shooting in the playoffs. With Durant’s arrival, Sengun should unlock his potential since defenses will focus less on him, allowing easier offensive opportunities, while his great court vision alongside an offensive machine like KD should become even more prominent.
From every aspect, this trade looks like a perfect fit for the Rockets.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.