The Houston Rockets could have signed a player whom Kevin Durant struggled to score over in the playoffs.
The Houston Rockets made a huge swing this past summer to become contenders in the Western Conference.
After a strong season where they won 52 games last season, the front office decided to double up, as the Rockets landed Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.
On top of that, the Rockets also had a successful free agency, signing several players like Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith.
But it appears they missed out on one former star who was able to guard Kevin Durant spectacularly in the past.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesPatrick Beverley reveals failed negotiations with Houston Rockets
Patrick Beverley recently linked up with Kick streamer Neon. During their stream together, Beverley revealed that he had been in talks with the Houston Rockets.
He noted that he was working out and negotiating with the Rockets. However, because of the salary cap, the Rockets couldn’t offer him a guaranteed contract without activating the first apron.
“I was this close to signing with the Rockets. That’s why I have been in Houston. I’ve been in Houston working out for the Rockets for the last two to three weeks.
“I was really close, but with the cap, they don’t have a lot of space, which means they can’t really guarantee it because I think they’re at the first apron. But yeah, I was really, really close. I was really close.”
Beverley previously played for the Houston Rockets from 2013 to 2017. And in his final playoff run with the team, he would cause great problems for their current superstar, Kevin Durant.
Former Houston Rocket, Patrick Beverley reveals on a stream he’s been working out with the Rockets over the past couple of weeks and was close to a reunion this offseason.
“I was really really close.” pic.twitter.com/mzrCOfiDsd
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) September 9, 2025
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Kevin Durant called Patrick Beverley ‘a pest’ on defense
During the 2017 NBA playoffs, the Houston Rockets faced the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. In that series, Patrick Beverley was able to rattle Kevin Durant.
“Guys aren’t even looking at the three-point line; they’re just forcing guys inside the three-point line. For us, when I get the ball in my spots, I’ve got a pest, Patrick Beverley, who is up underneath me.
“I can definitely shoot over the top and score every time if it’s a one-on-one situation. But we got a guy that’s dropping and helping and another guy that’s just sitting on me, waiting to dribble the basketball.”
While Beverley is no longer the defensive stalwart he was during the 2010s, he could’ve been a valuable presence in the locker room and helped younger players learn how to get to their spots.
Perhaps he and the Rockets can work something out during the season to allow him to return to the team, if that’s what is best for both sides.