Russell Westbrook Awaits Kevin Durant Reunion After Rockets Emerge as Front Runner for Veteran Guard

Despite being a household name in the sports world, Russell Westbrook's NBA future remains uncertain. He remains a free agent even though the NBA offseason is at the point where the biggest stars have typically already found a home.

The Houston Rockets have emerged as a possible destination, and a move there would reunite Westbrook with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant.

Sports Illustrated reporter Eric Jay Santos noted that the Rockets could take advantage of Westbrook’s willingness to sign for the veteran minimum. According to him, Houston should at least reach out, with the biggest selling point being their ability to help Westbrook chase his first NBA title.

Westbrook and Durant were part of one of the most exciting teams of the early 2010s. They reached the NBA Finals together in 2012 but never returned as teammates. Their partnership ended in 2016 when Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, creating a rift that has since healed.

How Would Russell Westbrook Fit With the Houston Rockets?

The Rockets have a good frontcourt anchored by Durant's talents. However, they very clearly lacked a point guard last season. Fred VanVleet, who was expected to be that man for them, sustained an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Amen Thompson, naturally a wing, was forced into the role. While he performed admirably, the Rockets still needed a lead guard.

They partially addressed the issue this summer by signing former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. However, his acquisition does not address the lack of depth at the position.

If they acquire Westbrook, the Rockets would get a talented, willing playmaker. Additionally, he is a much better fit for that role than Smart is.

While Smart is a tremendous point-of-attack stopper, Westbrook is clearly the better assist-man, as evidenced by their stats.

Smart has averaged only 4.4 assists per game throughout his career, with his best season in that category coming in 2022-23 with the Boston Celtics, when he dished 6.3 dimes per game.

Westbrook, meanwhile, far exceeds those numbers.

Over his 18-year NBA career, Westbrook has averaged 8.0 assists per game. He's also led the league in that statistic three times, averaging 10.3 dimes per game in 2017-18, 10.7 in 2018-19, and 11.7 in 2020-21.

While his assist numbers have dwindled over the last few seasons, it's not to the point that he's no longer effective. This past season with the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 6.7 assists.

Additionally, he could be a spark plug off the bench, especially with his motor that fuels his relentless energy and his passion for competing. With Durant already in place, adding Westbrook could strengthen the Rockets’ playoff push and open a realistic championship window.