Durant: I don’t blame the Suns but still love the Thunder. I hope to retire with the Rockets and no longer care about people’s opinions.

Translator's Note: The original article was published in Andscape. The data in the article are as of the time of the original publication (October 22, local time). The dates and times involved are all local time.

Last February, when he returned to his former home stadium of Texas, Kevin Durant purchased some custom cowboy boots and a matching hat - a tribute to his time as a basketball star at the University of Texas.

As a new member of the Rockets, Durant - who was traded from the Suns to Houston in July - now is the perfect time to wear his new Western Conference jersey.

"We were playing the Spurs (in Austin) and I bought myself some cowboy boots," Durant told Andscape on Tuesday night. "I didn't even expect to be traded to Houston, but I was like, 'I want some cowboy boots and hats.' And I bought a set and arranged for delivery. But it took six months to make them. Time. So, they should be coming to Houston soon. I will definitely wear them."

In the game at the Paycom Center on Tuesday, the Rockets lost 124-125 to the defending NBA champion Thunder in double overtime. Durant scored 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, but eventually left the game with the cheers of the audience.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and hit key free throws after Durant's sixth foul, saving the team on a night of receiving championship rings and raising the championship banner. What cannot be ignored in the Thunder's victory is that Rockets' 6-foot-11 center Alperon Shinjing had a dominant performance of 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 three-pointers in 39 minutes.

Yes, the Thunder are missing All-Star forward Jaylen Williams. Even so, the Rockets look like a team capable of challenging for a championship. However, Durant hopes to cool down the Rockets' championship discussion.

"I mean, I'm not even thinking about the championship. Man, this is just the first game. I just want to further solidify our offense and our defense," Durant said, "As the season goes on, we'll get to know our team better. But I'm not focused on the championship or the playoffs. The key is how we can do better in the second game."

Durant was the protagonist of the blockbuster trade involving 13 players and seven teams on July 13, which was the largest transaction in NBA history. In the 2024-25 season, his second and final year with the Suns, Durant averaged 26.6 points per game. But the Suns, led by Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, not only missed the playoffs, but were swept in the first round the previous season. The Suns even considered trading Durant before last season's trade deadline.

Recalling his time with the Suns, Durant said he had no ill will toward the Suns.

"I wouldn't say it was a challenge. I was playing in the NBA," Durant said, "and I was still healthy enough to continue to polish my skills and give my best in the game. I don't think so. I was happy any time I played in the NBA. I loved playing in Phoenix, and I thought I would retire in that city. I also loved playing in Houston. "

"So, I can draw positive things from all of these experiences. And since I entered the league, there have been far more positive experiences than negative experiences."

The Rockets are Durant's fifth team, having previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. Regarding Durant joining Houston, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was a major factor in attracting Durant to join. They had previously worked together in the US Men's Basketball Team.

Other factors that attracted Durant include the ability to join forces with Shen Jing, veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, promising young wing Amen Thompson and former Thunder teammate Steven Adams. The Rockets, who had the second-best record in the Western Conference last season, were predicted to become a strong contender for the championship immediately after Durant joined.

As a basketball historian, Durant is also proud to follow in the footsteps of Hall of Famers such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Calvin Murphy and Elvin Hayes and wear a Rockets jersey.

"It's awesome. Some of my favorite players in history have played for the Rockets and laid the foundation for the Rockets and helped build the culture," Durant said. "It means a lot to be a part of that."

However, VanVleet's season may be over before it even begins. During the offseason, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a team training in the Bahamas. Durant, 37, was "heartbroken" by the news, and VanVleet's absence was evident in the season opener. In this campaign, Durant only took 16 shots, and the Rockets made 21 turnovers. When Thompson retired early due to cramps, the team lacked a field commander at the critical moment of overtime.

"He's excited to be a part of this place," Durant said of VanVleet. "He accepted less salary to stay with the team. He's a veteran, a leader in the locker room, and he could have had more opportunities to show his ability and More room to play. It's tough for Freddy, but he's a tough guy. He's a mature guy and his attitude is like, 'Don't feel bad for me, I'm going to train every day and I'll get better.'"

"That's the mentality he has to keep putting in.. "

However, Shen Jing's top performance is a glimmer of hope for Durant and the Rockets.

Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, averaging 27.2 points per game in his career. But with the 23-year-old Shen Jing showing dominance in the low post and becoming more threatening with his new three-point shooting, Durant will no longer have to carry the team's offense alone. With an offense like Shen Jing's Playing alongside talented players can provide Durant with easier offensive opportunities.

Durant said that he and Shen Jing will attract defensive pressure on the offensive end and create opportunities for their teammates.

"The more he can continue to play like this, the easier it will be for everyone, especially me," Durant said of Shen Jing's performance against the Thunder. "I think this year he will take that step and become a star, a superstar. "

"He didn't say that, but the way he approaches the game and everything he does, you can tell he's ready to make the leap and get stronger. This is a step in the right direction offensively. I really hope we can win this game for him. "

On Sunday, Durant signed a two-year, $90 million early contract extension, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 15-time NBA All-Star would have been eligible. He received a two-year early contract extension worth up to $120 million, but he sacrificed about $30 million to give the team flexibility in building the team and keep the team intact

According to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams. Charania reported that based on current and future salary calculations, Durant now surpasses LeBron James with a total income of $598.2 million, setting a record for the highest career salary in NBA history.

Durant's current contract will last until the 2027-28 season, when he will be 40 years old. The two-time NBA champion said he expects to retire after fulfilling his contract in Houston.

"This is the last stop I want to serve. I just try to focus on the present, not think too far ahead, and let things take their own course. " Durant said.

Durant won his only NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2014 with the Thunder, and he led the team to the Finals for the first time in 2012. He said that despite hearing boos when holding the ball in games, he still felt the love from the fans in the streets and arenas of Oklahoma City.

Time will tell whether Durant can help the Rockets win the third NBA championship in franchise history. He was elected twice with the Warriors. NBA Finals MVP, his jersey will likely be retired there one day. Winning a championship with the Rockets might earn him the honor of having his jersey retired in Houston.

When the Thunder raised the first championship banner in franchise history on Tuesday, Durant said he is not obsessed with having his jersey retired by any team he has played for.

"I used to care about being respected and admired by people," he said, "that's not important. The human heart is fickle. People's opinions of you will change depending on their mood at the time. Anyway, I don't expect anyone to do anything for me. I just have to put in the effort and see what happens. ”

Author: Marc J. Spears

Translator: GWayNe