ESPN Announces Unexpected Kevin Durant Decision Before NBA Season

As preseason wraps up, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps released his annual list of every team’s top trios — but surprisingly left Durant off the Rockets’ list. Instead, he named center Alperen Sengun, guard Reed Sheppard, and forward Amen Thompson as Houston’s core three. 

“A lot has changed in Houston over the past year,” Bontemps wrote. “Thompson was a near miss from inclusion a year ago, and in hindsight that was an obvious mistake. The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft continues to blossom into a star and could take another massive leap forward this season following Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL during preseason workouts.”

Anticipating fan reaction, Bontemps quickly clarified his reason for excluding Durant off the list.

“Although I'm sure you're thinking, ‘No Kevin Durant? Really?’ remember the purpose of this list. Durant remains — at least for now — without a contract extension, and Sheppard could be the team’s starting point guard this season and remains a key player for Houston long term.”

Durant’s omission stems largely from his unsettled contract situation, as the Rockets have yet to offer him an extension. The 2014 MVP is in the final year of a contract that is set to pay him $55 million, making him eligible to sign a new deal.

Although uncertainty remains on that front, Durant will be central to Houston’s ambitions for at least the short term and will hope to lead the franchise to an NBA title at the end of the season. 

The Rockets open their regular season on Oct. 21 with a road matchup against Durant’s former team and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.