On July 4, 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder received the shocking news: Kevin Durant wouldn't be returning, but his next destination hurt fans the most.
After losing to the Golden State Warriors in the conference semifinals, during which the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead, Durant joined Golden State. He went on to win two championships with the Warriors before leaving Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 offseason.
Following an underwhelming two-plus seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in a historic seven-team deal this offseason. Now, there's a chance he could reunite with one of his former Thunder co-stars.
MORE: NBA analyst predicts All-NBA leap for Thunder's $250 million star
Kevin Durant gets honest about potential Russell Westbrook reunion
Russell Westbrook remains a free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets this summer. Houston is in jeopardy of being without Fred VanVleet for the entire season due to a torn ACL, and its backcourt is relatively thin.
While the Rockets could use Westbrook's services, they are currently unable to sign him. Sitting nearly $1.3 million below the first apron, the organization wouldn't be able to sign Westbrook until Jan. 8, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks — barring any unforeseen moves.
Russ wouldn't be able to sign with the Rockets until after Christmas pic.twitter.com/ljtipM0VDX
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) October 8, 2025
Still, that didn't stop Durant from commenting on a potential reunion with Westbrook on Up & Adams with Kay Adams on Wednesday.
“Russ is a legend,” he said. “I think he deserves to be in the NBA right now, and I think he deserves to walk out of the NBA on his own terms. Yeah, [a reunion] would be dope. But it's not my decision. Leaving that up to whoever makes those decisions for now.”
"Russ is a legend... That would be dope."
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 8, 2025
— Kevin Durant on a potential reunion with Russell Westbrook on the Rockets@heykayadams | @KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/vxc7BswrkZ
Durant and Westbrook spent eight years together in Oklahoma City, advancing to the NBA Finals once. While a reunion currently appears unlikely, Westbrook could potentially join the Rockets down the road — especially if their backcourt proves to be an issue.
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