The Houston Rockets lost 103-89 to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening. It was Game 7 of their first round series. Plus, this was Rockets’ first playoff appearance since 2019-20.
In the 2024-25 regular season, the Rockets went 52-30, reaching their highest record since 2018-19. But they didn’t have to pass the first round of the 2025 playoffs. This offseason, Houston has a few questions to answer. Kendrick Perkins of ESPN said Rockets should trade with Kevin Durant of Phoenix.
Is Kevin Durant’s deal the right move for the Houston Rockets?
Kendrick Perkins says the Rockets should chase after Kevin Durant instead of Giannis
“I’m going after Kevin Durant. I’ll package Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith, do some drafts and get KD, not Giannis.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 ))
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 5, 2025
For some rocket players, 2025 was the first taste of the postseason. It was shown in their first round series vs. Warriors. Houston forced Game 7 after winning two straight games. However, they lost 103-89 to Golden State in Game 7 on Sunday night. Young players are at the heart of the Rockets’ roster. Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason are all under the age of 23. There have been reports that the team wants to add stars of the same age around them.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon pointed out that the Rockets weren’t appearing entirely for Kevin Durant. Despite the fact that the two-time NBA champion turned 37 in September. Kendrick Perkins, an NBA analyst and former player, believes Rocket needs to trade with Durant. He mentioned how teams need something closer to a reliable shooter. Two services Kevin Durant can easily offer. Houston has the flexibility of pay caps and draft capital to make Durant’s transactions come true.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Jalen Green’s 21.0 points per game led the team. Durant averaged 26.6 points per game this past season. It would have led all the players on the rocket easily. Houston benefits from a roster of veteran scoring options like Durant. However, his age can be a big factor. Who knows how many years Durant left? We’ll have to wait this offseason to see what Rockets do to address the flaws of the 2025 playoffs.