Reunion Incoming? Stephen A. Smith Urges Durant & Westbrook Pairing!
Could Durant and Westbrook Reunite in Houston?
The basketball world is buzzing with speculation about Russell Westbrook's next move, and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has thrown a major curveball into the conversation. Smith is advocating for a reunion between Westbrook and Kevin Durant, this time with the Houston Rockets.
Durant and Westbrook, once a formidable duo for the Oklahoma City Thunder, haven't played together since 2016, when Durant famously joined the Golden State Warriors. Their time in OKC was marked by deep playoff runs, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012. Both players have since bounced around the league, with varying degrees of success.
Durant was recently traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The Rockets acquired Durant in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, a 2025 first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks. This move signals Houston's intent to contend for a championship.
Westbrook, meanwhile, is a free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for Denver last season, proving he still has something to offer. The question is, where will he land?
Smith's Rationale
Stephen A. Smith believes the Rockets should strongly consider bringing Westbrook to Houston. In a tweet, Smith highlighted Westbrook's toughness, dependability, and warrior mentality, suggesting he would be a good fit alongside Durant, especially now that Dillon Brooks is no longer with the team.
While there's no guarantee it will happen, the idea of Durant and Westbrook rekindling their partnership is intriguing. Could they recapture the magic they once had in Oklahoma City? Only time will tell.
- Durant recently traded to Houston Rockets.
- Westbrook is a free agent.
- Stephen A. Smith advocates for reunion.