Kevin Durant now finds himself in quite a precarious position with the Rockets

The Houston Rockets need Kevin Durant to be their go-to scorer, and that still may not be enough as he enters the final guaranteed year of his contract. Durant has a player option for the 2027-28 season at $46.0 million. The Rockets were bounced in the first round of the playoffs for two straight years. Durant turns 38 in September. He loves to hoop and wants to win. There are questions about how close Houston is to contention, and it feels like this whole thing could collapse at any moment.

The NBA didn’t put the Rockets on Christmas Day, which should tell fans plenty. Durant has played on the marquee day of the regular season every year since 2022. The league always puts their best teams and biggest stars on the showcase day. Clearly, the league didn’t think Houston qualified.

The Rockets were upset by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs without Luka Doncic. Durant played just one game in the series for Houston. The absences allowed LeBron James to be LA’s number one option and sparked his departure for Philadelphia. KD doesn’t want that to be what his time in Houston is known for, but the Rockets have a clear problem in trying to contend.

Rockets need Kevin Durant to be their number one option

Durant is still one of the best scorers in the world. He has no problem dropping 26 every night and putting up monster numbers, but the 38-year-old needs more help. Alperen Sengun has averaged over 20 points per game, but Houston has won just five of his 13 playoff games. Amen Thompson is packed with potential, but hasn't fully broken out. They need KD to be the offensive alpha.

Durant played 78 regular season games last season before getting hurt in the first round of the playoffs. Since tearing his Achilles in 2019, KD has averaged just 50.2 games per year.

The Rockets need him healthy in the playoffs, which means they must ease off in the regular season. Sadly, Houston doesn’t have that luxury. The Western Conference is still loaded, and the Rockets don’t want to end up in the Play-In Tournament. Not only does it mean navigating a one-off scenario, but it likely forces Houston to face the Thunder or the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

Houston is virtually the same team. Fred VanVleet will be returning from injury after missing the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL. He will provide some needed ball-handling and playmaking, but must be brought along slowly. They added Marcus Smart, but the Rockets don’t want him taking over the offense. KD will be the go-to option again.

Kevin Durant may want more help for his final NBA act

Durant is approaching his 20th NBA season. He will be 38 before opening night and is already in the top five all-time in scoring. Durant is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best ever. Does he still want to be the leading scorer on his team?

The Rockets have a talented young core, but were rumored to be shopping everyone not named Amen Thompson this summer. They are missing their alpha as Durant can’t be that throughout a championship run at this stage. The NBA playoffs are grueling. The Rockets are simply asking too much from Durant as he closes a second decade in the league.

Durant has long teamed up with other stars. He went to Golden State to join Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Durant teamed up with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. Devin Booker was already in Phoenix before KD arrived. The superstar may want a running mate for his final act.

Durant will soon hold the cards. He has a player option for the 2027-28 season and isn’t extension-eligible. He could choose to stay in Houston or play elsewhere. Fans saw LeBron James leave millions on the table to go to the 76ers. King James wants to chase a championship in his final years. Could KD do the same? It can’t be ruled out.

Kevin Durant’s situation with the Houston Rockets is precarious. Nobody knows what the future holds. Durant has left the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and Suns over the years. Every time things get complicated before the finish. This may be trending there. The Rockets need KD to be elite every single night. That is a lot to ask from a 38-year-old in his 20th NBA season.

Durant holds the cards next summer. How things go this year will likely determine his future. Right now, there are more questions than answers. The NBA bet against the Rockets being serious contenders by excluding them from the Christmas Day slate. Durant’s health and happiness are things to watch this season. If it falls apart, don’t be surprised to see KD move on next summer.

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