After a turbulent run with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant made a blockbuster move to the Houston Rockets this summer in a historic seven-team deal involving powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
The initial trade saw the Rockets send out a significant package, including Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 No. 10 pick Khaman Maluach, and five second-round picks. The deal quickly expanded to include five other teams, creating a massive shuffle of players and picks across the league.
Durant’s trade was a stunning development, especially since most high-profile player moves are drawn-out, summer-long sagas. The addition of the 15-time All-Star provides a major boost to a young Rockets roster that just reached the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.
Will Kevin Durant Play Against the Jazz?
The Rockets are set to face the Utah Jazz in a preseason game at the Toyota Center. While Houston defeated the Atlanta Hawks in their last preseason outing, Durant did not play, leaving fans eager to see him finally suit up for the Texas-based franchise.
In a recent interview with Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams” show, Durant confirmed he will play against Utah. However, he also admitted that he is unsure how much time he will spend on the floor since it is a preseason contest. It will be his first game action of the season, so it makes sense for the Rockets to ease him back into the rotation slowly.
“Yeah, I am, I am,” Durant said. “And I don’t know how long though, ’cause it’s preseason, how long I’ll play. Just get some good run up and down the floor, just to get your wind right. It’s a different feel when you’re underneath the lights and the whistle and a real game, you know what I’m saying?”
Kevin Durant confirms that he WILL play in the Rockets preseason game vs. the Jazz on Wednesday @heykayadams | @KDTrey5 | @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/rlszp64qGw
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 8, 2025
“So, I wanna get that conditioning back,” Durant added. “So, you know, just check the boxes a little bit, not look for no wins or losses, just try to maintain and keep staying in shape.”
With his debut set, many have wondered if Durant still has what it takes to lead a franchise. Now 37 years old, the two-time champion has shown few signs of slowing down and remains the legendary mid-range scorer he has been for years.
Durant is expected to be the primary ball-handler and scorer on a team filled with talented youngsters. Thanks to the efficiency of teammates like Clint Capela and Amen Thompson, he will have a significant advantage in reduced defensive load.
Thompson, in particular, has shown great potential in his first two years, and having a player like Durant to learn from could be invaluable. This combination of young firepower, championship experience, and Ime Udoka’s coaching strategy will undoubtedly make the Rockets a team to watch in the Western Conference.
