The Houston Rockets are out of the playoffs after suffering a 98-78 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6, and Kevin Durant’s future has once again been brought under scrutiny. The forward was out of most of the Round 1 games due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, and the Rockets fell to a short-handed Lakers. And the latest rumors suggest it was a long time coming.
As per Sam Amick, The Athletic’s Senior Writer, revealed that the social media tensions that broke out in the middle of the season due to Durant’s burner account controversy did not resolve and could have hampered the team chemistry. NBA Courtside shared the update on X and wrote:
“Several league sources with close ties to Rockets players indicated the social media situation with Kevin Durant was a significant distraction and was never truly resolved.”
Durant’s name was connected to a burner account on X (@gethigher77) that had posted some controversial takes about Durant’s former and current teammates. Given that it also mentioned Jabari Smith Jr., who was called out for his shooting and defense, multiple tensions were reported in the locker room.
Now that the locker room tensions aren’t looking to be settling down, the franchise might search for a new destination for the superstar forward. Let’s look at three potential teams Durant can move to for next season.
#1 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have been in turmoil just as the Rockets have been this playoffs. Nikola Jokic and Co. faced tough competition from the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the series, and they could never recover from that. Given that the Nuggets have several expiring contracts, the front office would like to acquire a star to pair alongside Joker.
Jamal Murray and Jokic’s pairing has come under scrutiny after their humiliating loss in Round 1. Moreover, Aaron Gordon’s contract can also come under the purview if he garners enough attention in the offseason.
#2 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are still in contention in Round 1 against the Orlando Magic, as the series moves to Game 7. However, they have unexpectedly struggled against the Orlando Magic after a stellar regular season, mainly due to Jalen Duren’s offensive woes. In Game 6 as well, Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris took over the offensive end to win the game, while Duren could contribute just eight points and nine rebounds.
Duren’s playoff struggles might lead the team to look for another option in the frontcourt, and Kevin Durant could be a good fit. Given his resume and experience of playing in the postseason, the team’s front office could be lured to add someone with a higher chance of performing when needed the most.
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have faced misfortune in the postseason after their superstar, Anthony Edwards, suffered a bone bruise on his left knee during Game 4 and was sidelined. Although they managed to edge past the Nuggets, the next series against the San Antonio Spurs will not be that easy.
The Wolves’ current situation might make the management look for another scoring option in the offseason. Julius Randle has played well alongside Edwards, but a pairing with Durant would be the best-case scenario for the youngster who idolizes the 2-time NBA champion.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
