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Stephen A. sees Rockets as Finals contender with Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 8:38 PM ET

Kevin Durant is still in the Western Conference, but the 15-time NBA All-Star is on a new team.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday that Durant is on the Houston Rockets. Houston let go of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks. The Rockets still need to figure out its plan with Fred VanVleet, but it has Ime Udoka locked in as head coach and now Durant. Durant, 36, remains as arguably the best scorer in the league — especially with his production in Phoenix. He averaged 26.6 points per game on a team that did not make the playoffs.

The two-time NBA Champion and NBA Finals MVP has averaged 25+ points per game in 17 straight seasons.

Stephen A. Smith believes Houston is now a major contender for a championship with Durant.

Damn Right! Love this for the @HoustonRockets. If you can believe it, @KDTrey5 at times looks better in his 30’s than he did in his 20’s. This is a title contender now. No question. H-Town is in the mix. https://t.co/ijqWpwezdD

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 22, 2025