Durant: Westbrook is a legend and deserves to stay in the NBA; reuniting with him on the Rockets would be great.

On October 9th Beijing time, Rockets star Kevin Durant expressed that Russell Westbrook "deserves" to stay in the NBA, and that it would be "wonderful" if they could reunite on the Rockets.

During Kay Adams' podcast, Durant mentioned that Westbrook’s potential move to the Rockets is "not related to me." "I have no clue and haven’t inquired with anyone about the reunion. This topic hasn’t even been brought up, and usually if something like this is in the works, it would make big news," Durant said. "Besides online fan discussions, I haven’t heard anything about it."

“Russell (Westbrook) is a legend. I believe he rightfully belongs in the NBA now and should finish his career on his own terms. So yes, a reunion would be fantastic. But that’s not my call; for now, I’ll leave this matter to those responsible for such decisions.”

At 36 years old, Westbrook is currently a free agent. Last season, he played a key rotation role for the Denver Nuggets, appearing in 75 games with 36 starts. He averaged 27 minutes per game, contributing 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. After the season, he declined his player option and became an unrestricted free agent.

The 37-year-old Durant and Westbrook were teammates for eight seasons with the Thunder and reached the NBA Finals together in the 2011-12 season. After Westbrook left the Thunder, he played for the Houston Rockets in 2019, then the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers, before joining the Denver Nuggets in July 2024.

Former NBA star Allen Iverson recently spoke about Westbrook on a show, saying he is the current player who reminds him most of himself. “He plays with relentless effort, giving everything as if every game is his last. His energy remains consistent, and he always puts in full effort in everything he does.”

Meanwhile, Durant was traded from the Suns to the Rockets in July this year. After next season, he will become an unrestricted free agent. However, Durant mentioned at his first official press conference that he might sign a contract extension with the Rockets.

For Westbrook, the guard once known for explosive energy and triple-double performances has now transitioned into a dependable role player, but his chances of securing a contract with the Rockets may be relatively limited.

Although the Rockets can use a hardship exception after veteran guard VanVleet suffered an ACL tear, they currently have no roster space to sign a player. All signs indicate the Rockets will rely more on second-year guard Shepard, who played 52 games last season, splitting time between the NBA and the G League.