Reunite Russell Westbrook With Kevin Durant, Says Stephen A. Smith, after Blockbuster Trade

Former Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets after weeks of rumors linking him with several teams.

Reunite Russell Westbrook With Kevin Durant, Says Stephen A. Smith, after Blockbuster Trade

Stephen A. Smith wants Houston Rockets to reunite Russell Westbrook with Kevin Durant (Image via FirstSportz)

Kevin Durant has played across four teams in the NBA and won 2 titles so far. The motive to keep moving is to find ways to add on to those championships and further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats to play the game.

Now he will move on to his fifth team after the Houston Rockets sent multiple assets to the Phoenix Suns to land the 36-year-old superstar. The Texas-based team gets one of the best pure scorers in the league, who still averages 26.6 points and 6 rebounds.

On the flip side, the Rockets gave up Dillon Brooks, one of the tone-setters on their defense so far. Losing that defense and his scoring help will need some covering up from the young players left on the squad. However, Stephen A. Smith believes they can add to their bench production with another star veteran.

Since Dillon Brooks is gone, how about going after Russell Westbrook? The man is still a warrior. Ain’t backing down from anyone. Can’t underestimate his toughness and dependability. Not saying it’s going to happen, but wouldn’t mind seeing this for Kevin Durant and the Rockets at all. To hell with all the past nonsense. Let’s all move forward.

Stephen A. Smith wrote on X

The ESPN analyst believes Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have long buried their beef after their initial dust-up after the latter left the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now that the former is a free agent, his energy and toughness will be a welcome addition to the young Rockets.

Kevin Durant remains coy on possible Russell Westbrook reunion

When the news of the trade broke, Kevin Durant was at the Fanatics Fest in New York. Kay Adams caught up with the Slim Reaper to talk about the trade. After understanding how it all went down, Adams asked if there were any plans to bring in Russell Westbrook, to which Durant replied:

I don’t know about that. We just got one thing figured out today. We will figure the rest out as we go. It’s still early.

Kevin Durant said

He had a smile on his face when talking about his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate. That could indicate that there is a chance those talks with Westbrook are in the works. At the same time, Durant’s reply suggests the Rockets will figure out how to improve their roster.

Russell Westbrook could sign for a veteran minimum with the Houston Rockets and be that spark off their bench. He still plays with the most energy of any NBA player, and the Texas-based team will need that when they play deep in the playoffs.

Russell Westbrook could find the perfect home with Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets

When Russell Westbrook declined his player option for next season, he made it clear he would like to look at all the available options. His time with the Denver Nuggets had started strong, but waned towards the end after rumors of locker room tensions.

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant at OKC
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant at OKC (Image via Complex/X)

If he does sign with the Houston Rockets, there are chances that any possible tension will be nipped in the bud. For starters, Kevin Durant will be there to ensure everything remains in check. On top of that, Ime Udoka is the one who sets the tone for the team, and he will do everything to ensure the locker room is in high spirits.

The Rockets will have a stellar starting lineup. But when the bench needs to do that extra bit, Westbrook will be ready to do it all. Maybe a reunion is the best way these two former Thunder teammates finally complete the mission they set out to do nearly two decades ago.

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