NBA Rumor: Kevin Durant To Reunite With Russell Westbrook 3 Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) fight for position in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

'It Doesn’t Matter His Age' – Houston Rockets Big Explains Why He’s Excited to Play With Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 9:47 AM ET

A handful of fans may think that the Houston Rockets gave up a lot to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a historic seven-team deal this summer, but Alperen Sengun is not having any of it.

Durant may be approaching 37 this September, but Sengun is hyped to play with him because he believes that the new Houston Rockets forward still has a lot left in his tank.

“I’m excited to play with Durant. Everyone is excited to play with him. It doesn’t matter his age. Ultimately, he’s Kevin Durant. I have no doubt he will bring a lot to the team,” Sengun said about Durant in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

Houston Rockets Rumors: ESPN Insiders List 2 Important Youngsters as Feb 14, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka (left) talks with center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

“He’s very experienced, and we have some very young players. I think he’ll open up the game for us. He’s incredibly effective both offensively and defensively. Our goal is the championship. Everyone wants this. I hope we can give this to the city of Houston,” he added.

Houston Rockets viewed as long-term contenders by analyst

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks the Houston Rockets can compete for an NBA championship within the next few seasons, following the notable moves they’ve made this offseason.

Nov 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone talks before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Besides trading for Kevin Durant, Houston also acquired Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie, and JD Davison while re-signing Steven Adams, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Jabari Smith Jr ., Fred VanVleet, and Jae’Sean Tate.

“Rafael Stone got me thinking about going to his house on holidays, because that man he been cooking, especially this offseason…It’s OKC, then there’s the Houston Rockets – those are the top two teams in the league,” Perkins said.