Kevin Durant and 3 Rockets who shouldn't be back after playoff nightmare

The Rockets had a disastrous first-round series that ended in a 4-1 defeat against the shorthanded Lakers. Despite having championship ambitions going into this season after acquiring Kevin Durant, Houston ended up with the same fate as last year. Now, they desperately need to make substantial changes to reset the roster ahead of next season, which will likely start with trading the 37-year-old Durant.

Durant's age puts him at a much different timeline than the Rockets' young core and also hurt the Rockets in the playoffs. He suffered an injury just in time to miss most of the first-round series, which is unfortunately not a surprise in his 18th season. But Durant still had a great regular season as a scorer, and other disappointed early playoff exits will be desperate to add his services. And he's not the only Rocket who should be leaving Houston soon:

Dorian Finney-Smith

Our first candidate Dorian Finney-Smith actually has 3 years remaining on his contract, but only one is guaranteed. But he's been so bad and so injured this season for the Rockets that they would be best off waiving him. Finney-Smith didn't bring either his trademark defensive intensity or potent 3-point shooting to Houston, and he seems on the decline at age 32.

Since Finney-Smith only has one guaranteed season left, the Rockets can stretch-and-waive him by paying him about $6.7 million for each of the next two seasons. That will open up some cap space to sign other players and potentially open a roster spot for a more promising minimum contract.

Jae'Sean Tate

Our second candidate Jae'Sean Tate is an unrestricted free agent and the Rockets shouldn't bring him back. He's played 6 seasons in Houston but his role has progressively decreased in recent seasons. He averaged just 3 points and 9 minutes per game this season in 46 appearances.

Tate has clearly lost his spot in the Rockets' normal rotation and has no place in their future. He's an offensive liability, shooting just 31% from deep this season, and doesn't provide enough with defense or energy to make up for it.

Josh Okogie

Okogie is also a free agent after just one season in Houston. He earned a regular spot in the rotation through his defense and 3-point shooting, including a pair of playoff starts. But his skillset ultimately proved redundant amongst the Rockets' wings and they would be better served adding more offensive creation in his place instead.

Since Okogie had a solid season, he'll likely have a decent market as a 3-and-D wing. He may end up pricing himself out of the Rockets' range for that mold of player, as they should focus on improving their guard play instead.

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