Kevin Durant was the headline act of last summer’s NBA offseason, with trade rumors swirling like a Texas dust storm. And when the dust finally settled, Durant was headed to Houston in a blockbuster seven-team deal - the largest trade in league history.
It was a seismic move that reshaped the Western Conference and gave the Rockets a superstar centerpiece. But as it turns out, the journey to Houston could’ve taken a detour through Minnesota.
According to recent reports, the Timberwolves were in the mix for Durant during that wild trade saga. But KD reportedly shut the door on a potential move to Minneapolis - and the reason had nothing to do with the roster or the city. It came down to coaching.
NBA insider Darren Wolfson shared on the Flagrant Howls podcast that Durant had “trepidation” about playing under Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. While the full details remain under wraps, Wolfson emphasized that the hesitation was real - and enough to nix the deal.
“Superstars want to play with Anthony Edwards,” Wolfson noted, pointing to the Wolves’ young star as a draw. But in Durant’s case, it wasn’t enough to overcome his concerns about the coaching fit.
And looking at how things have played out, it’s hard to argue with the decision. The Timberwolves, once considered a rising force in the West, are currently clinging to the seventh seed with a 31-20 record.
Not bad, but not where many expected them to be given the talent on the roster. Meanwhile, the Rockets - with Durant in the fold - are sitting pretty in the fourth seed at 31-17, showing signs of a team that could do real damage come playoff time.
Durant, however, hasn’t been immune to setbacks. He missed the Rockets’ recent matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to an ankle injury he picked up during a hard-fought 111-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The injury raised some eyebrows in Houston, where Durant’s presence is seen as vital to the team’s postseason hopes.
Still, even without their superstar, the Rockets found a way to grind out a 118-114 win - and they did it behind a monster performance from Alperen Şengün. The big man was unstoppable, dropping 39 points, grabbing 16 boards, and dishing out five assists in 35 minutes.
It was one of those games that makes you sit up and take notice - a reminder that Şengün is more than just a supporting piece. He’s becoming a problem for opposing defenses.
Rookie Amen Thompson also stepped up in a big way, recording a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Thompson’s energy and versatility continue to be a bright spot for Houston, especially with Durant sidelined.
Looking ahead, the Rockets have a big test on the horizon with the Boston Celtics coming to town. It’s a marquee matchup, and all eyes will be on Durant’s status.
The good news? ESPN has upgraded him to “probable,” giving Houston fans hope that their star will be back on the court for this high-stakes showdown at the Toyota Center.
Bottom line: Durant made a bold call last summer, and so far, it’s paying off. The Rockets are rolling, the chemistry is building, and if KD can stay healthy, this team might just be scratching the surface of what it can become.