Kevin Durant, known for his scoring prowess, has played on several well-constructed NBA teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. Of these, only his time with Golden State yielded NBA championships, with Durant securing two titles and two Finals MVP awards. Entering the 2025 season with the Houston Rockets, Durant aims to change the narrative of his career after less successful stops in Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Durant’s early career with the Oklahoma City Thunder was marked by individual brilliance, winning four scoring titles and an MVP award across nine seasons. Though he demonstrated elite scoring ability, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals only once during his tenure, losing to the Miami Heat 4-1. Despite playing alongside rising star Russell Westbrook, the duo could not convert outstanding performances into championships, which partly motivated Durant’s highly scrutinized move to Golden State.
The Golden State Warriors Era and Its Impact
Durant’s tenure with the Warriors from 2016 to 2019 was the peak of his championship success. Known for his clutch scoring and versatility, he led Golden State to back-to-back NBA titles, collecting two Finals MVP honors and solidifying his place among basketball’s elite. One notable moment was his 37-point performance in Game 1 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, showcasing his dominant presence on the court. His time in the Bay Area is widely celebrated by fans and analysts alike.
Challenges During the Brooklyn Nets Period
After leaving Golden State, Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets, where high expectations surrounded the star trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. However, injuries and internal disruptions prevented the team from reaching its full potential. The three stars combined to play just 16 games together, limiting their on-court chemistry.
Kevin Durant on his time with Steve Nash during the Brooklyn Nets era: “There was so much Bull*** going around us, we had GMs & coaches going to other teams… players forcing trades… we brought in Ben Simmons, his back hurt. It felt like we were committed but everyone else…” —Kevin Durant
Durant also reflected on the team‘s struggles with injuries and external factors, saying,
I think that was the main thing, that we just didn’t get on the court together, a lot of injuries. Injuries to me, James and Kyrie kind of played a factor, along with COVID… But I think basketball-wise, chemistry-wise, camaraderie-wise, teamwork-wise, I thought it was the perfect, ideal situation. —Kevin Durant
Despite the potential, the Nets’ star trio never fully materialized, and by the end of the 2022–23 season, the group was dissolved, ending Durant’s time in Brooklyn without the championship success that had been hoped for.
Durant’s Tenure With the Phoenix Suns and Missed Opportunities
Following Brooklyn, Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he was paired with Devin Booker in an attempt to build another championship contender. The Suns bolstered their lineup by acquiring Bradley Beal, aiming to construct a superteam capable of winning a title. Unfortunately, the strategy backfired, as the Suns were unable to advance deep into the playoffs over two consecutive seasons.
Trading for Bradley Beal was the worst decision made in Phoenix Suns history. I fully believe Devin Booker & Kevin Durant would have won a championship for Phoenix had the Suns added solid depth around those 2 instead of trading for Brad Beal. —Brandon Awadis
The Suns sacrificed key players and draft assets to acquire Beal, but the lack of supporting depth and role players hampered their championship hopes. Though the Suns’ moves reflected ambition, the outcome fell short, further complicating Durant’s championship résumé.
Kevin Durant’s Pursuit of Redemption With the Houston Rockets
Durant has not captured an NBA title since 2018 with the Golden State Warriors, leading many fans and media members to view his stints in Brooklyn and Phoenix as missed opportunities, despite his consistent All-NBA performances and All-Star selections. Now, at age 37, Durant joins the Houston Rockets, who have brought him in as their primary scorer and clutch performer to complement a young, athletic roster.
Under the leadership of head coach Ime Udoka, known for his defensive emphasis, the Rockets aim to leverage Durant’s experience and skills to break through the first-round playoff barrier that has eluded them. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith remarked on Durant’s move, stating,
KD is back in the championship equation. —Stephen A. Smith
Durant’s presence reinvigorates Houston’s title aspirations, giving the team a legitimate chance to compete against more established contenders. His role as an alpha scorer is crucial for a Rockets squad hungry for playoff success.
The Significance of a Third NBA Championship on Durant’s Legacy
Achieving a third NBA championship with Houston could redefine Durant’s career legacy, elevating his status among the all-time greats. Currently, he ranks as the No. 3 small forward of all time according to HoopsHype and is placed 13th on Bleacher Report’s list of the top 100 NBA players ever. This accomplishment would validate Durant’s later career decisions and offset the disappointment of his Brooklyn and Phoenix tenures.
As Durant pursues this championship milestone with the Rockets, the basketball world watches closely to see if he can secure his place in history not only as an exceptional scorer but also as a player who overcame setbacks to achieve ultimate team success again.