Kevin Durant began his first season with the Houston Rockets facing high expectations, but the excitement ultimately fell short of reality.
Former NBA star Joe Johnson believes he has now identified the missing piece that could unlock Houston’s Durant era.
Joe Johnson Urges Rockets To Reunite Kevin Durant With Former NBA MVP
During the 2025 offseason, the Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a record-setting seven-team trade. The Rockets’ front office sought an established superstar-caliber half-court shot creator to elevate their young core of Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. into championship contention.
Durant delivered elite individual production, but the overall experiment failed to produce the desired results for Houston. An unexpected preseason injury to veteran leader Fred VanVleet also created a significant backcourt void. After finishing the season with a 52-30 record, the Rockets were quickly eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by an injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers squad.
Speaking on the “Nightcap” podcast over the weekend, Johnson suggested that Russell Westbrook could be the missing piece for the Rockets. The seven-time All-Star believes a reunion between Westbrook and Durant in Houston could revive the elite chemistry they once shared in Oklahoma City while also solving the Rockets’ need for a true playmaking point guard.
“If I’m the Houston Rockets, I’m taking that gamble,” Johnson said. “Because look, think about this, even if Fred VanVleet — I’m sure he will start the season — but [expletive], he just came off an ACL surgery. Y’all gonna run him in the ground for 82 games?
“… So, you gotta have some depth at that point guard position, guys who know how to play, guys who know and understand the game, and who can make the game easier for guys around them.”
Joe Johnson says if he’s the Houston Rockets I’m taking that gamble on Russel Westbrook teaming back up with Kevin Durant:
“I’m taking that gamble because look, think about this. Even if Fred VanVleet, I’m sure he will start the season, but damn, he just come off of ACL surgery.… https://t.co/iy2lhYqOAe pic.twitter.com/Y0OzZLORmr
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 2, 2026
“Think about all the great times that they had in OKC,” Johnson continued. “Obviously, they came up short, being up 3-1 against that [Golden State] Warriors team, and then KD goes and joins. They have to think about those times and be like, ‘What if? What if we would’ve stayed together, hell, we probably would’ve at least got one.’ … So, I wouldn’t mind seeing Westbrook team back up with KD in Houston.
“I think he’ll bring them a totally different dynamic at that point guard position ’cause guess what? You know what you going to get from him every night. He going to play hard as all know what, he going to defend, and he understands playmaking. … He just gotta keep his turnovers down.”
ISO Joe says Russell Westbrook could be the missing piece for the Houston Rockets:
“Think about all the great times they had in OKC. Obviously they came up short, being up 3-1 against that warriors team and then KD goes and joins. They have to think about those times and be like… pic.twitter.com/bbTxTj341g
— JayTakes (@SportsWithJay0) August 2, 2026
After spending eight seasons together in Oklahoma City, Westbrook and Durant already have a well-established on-court chemistry. In addition, Westbrook would represent a low-risk, high-reward option for Houston on a veteran minimum contract.
Sports Illustrated recently reported that the Rockets have emerged as a legitimate landing spot for Westbrook. The franchise could take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen its roster by adding the veteran.
Westbrook is currently an unrestricted free agent after spending the 2025-26 season with the Sacramento Kings. He remains determined to continue his NBA career, but reports suggest the 37-year-old has generated very little interest on the free-agent market.
This past season, Westbrook posted respectable production for Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 64 games. Still, several NBA teams have reportedly been reluctant to pursue him because of concerns surrounding his ball-dominant playstyle and advancing age.
If Houston gives the veteran guard an opportunity, Westbrook would undoubtedly do everything he can to make a winning impact. However, the decision ultimately rests with the Rockets on whether they are willing to take a chance on the former MVP.
