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Paul Pierce explains why Kevin Durant-Rockets relationship might not survive this offseason
TL;DR
Paul Pierce suggests that Kevin Durant's relationship with the Houston Rockets may not survive the offseason due to unresolved locker room tensions stemming from a controversial incident during the All-Star break.
Key points
- Paul Pierce discusses Kevin Durant's relationship with the Rockets.
- Durant averaged 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the 2025-26 season.
- Tensions arose from a burner account incident during the All-Star break.
- The Rockets finished the season with a 52-30 record.
- Locker room chemistry issues persisted despite a player-only meeting.
Houston RocketsKevin DurantFred VanVleetSteven Adams
Paul Pierce explains why Kevin Durant-Rockets relationship might not survive this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2025–26 Houston Rockets finished 52–30, earning the West’s fifth seed despite losing Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to injuries. Kevin Durant stayed healthy for 78 games, averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. On the surface, the season looked like a success.
But according to reports, the chemistry was rotting behind the scenes. It all started during the All-Star break, after screenshots reportedly linking Durant to a burner account, "@gethigher77," became public.
The two-time NBA champion allegedly used the account to bash teammates Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. Durant dismissed it as "Twitter nonsense," but The Athletic reported the locker room never moved past it. Even though they held a player-only meeting and agreed to move on, the tension remained.
Q&A
What caused the tension between Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets?
The tension reportedly began when screenshots linked Durant to a burner account that criticized teammates, leading to lingering issues despite a player-only meeting.
How did Kevin Durant perform during the 2025-26 NBA season?
Durant played 78 games, averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, contributing to the Rockets' 52-30 record.
What were the Houston Rockets' playoff results in the 2025-26 season?
The Houston Rockets finished the season with a 52-30 record, earning the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
