Since Fred VanVleet suffered a season-ending injury, NBA fans have wanted one thing. Many want to again experience Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the same team. The former Nuggets guard remains a free agent and has been linked to the Rockets. However, how does KD feel about reuniting with his former teammate who drifted apart after his move to the Warriors?

Any rift that existed has been dispersed by now. When speaking to Kay Adams, the former MVP admitted he hasn’t heard about the Rockets actively looking to recruit Westbrook. “Usually when stuff like that happens, it’s pretty loud,” he said of the rumors. But KD isn’t against running back in the old days with his iconic teammate.

“Yeah, Russ is a legend, and I think he deserves to be in the NBA right now. And I think he deserves to walk out of the NBA on his terms. So yeah, that would be dope. But it’s not my decision. Leaving that up to whoever makes those decisions,” Durant shared on Up and Adams. The trade seems to meet every criterion.

Fred VanVleet did more than bring order to the team. He has championship experience and is a critical presence in the locker room. Over that, he is an exceptional floor general who reads the game’s tempo well. Russell Westbrook hasn’t won a title yet, but he has always played the role of running an offense.

In his time with the Denver Nuggets, Brodie showed he can have big games. Although coming off the bench, Westbrook managed six assists per game last season. He isn’t the scoring threat that VanVleet is. However, the Rockets have many offensive weapons and could benefit from a veteran point guard.

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There’s also a Kevin Durant element in the picture. The tandem has played over 500 games together. KD could integrate himself quickly, having a familiar face on the floor. It’s a move that makes sense. But the Rockets don’t want to make it yet.

The Houston Rockets want to experiment with Kevin Durant

The Rockets didn’t panic when VanVleet suffered his injury. It was surely an absence they felt profoundly, but they have options. Amen Thompson played as a primary playmaker for Overtime Elite. The atomic athlete hasn’t had the opportunity yet, but with his potential, Houston is willing to give him the platform to develop.

They also have Reed Sheppard. He had a quiet preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks, but the Rockets will rely on him as a natural point guard. The front office wants to give the operation a few months before deciding. Aside from them, the Rockets hope Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun can help them along.

The Rockets plan on running some of their offense through those two. Sengun is a dynamic offensive threat, with playmaking being an integral weapon. On the other hand, KD is a reliable player to be the fulcrum for the offense. Hence, Russell Westbrook isn’t part of the Rockets’ immediate plans. It depends on how their roster performs.

The franchise plans to give Thompson and Sheppard a few months to fill the role. If they fail, the Rockets will look in the market. Their financials complicate even signing a free agent. However, that is the only path for Russell Westbrook to join the Rockets unless they abandon their current plans.