Kevin Durant's first season with the Houston Rockets ended in disappointment, marked by a knee injury, a sprained right ankle, and unresolved questions about his relationship with teammates. The Rockets were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games with Durant appearing in only of them and his future with the franchise uncertain less than one year after his trade from the Phoenix Suns.

Allegations surfaced during the season that Durant had criticized teammates, including Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., through a burner account on X. Several league sources with close ties to Rockets players described the situation as a significant distraction that was never fully resolved internally.

"My teammates know what it is," Durant said during a media session in February. "We've been locked in the whole season."

Durant was one of just five NBA players to average 26 points, five rebounds and four assists during the regular season. However, the Rockets struggled with cohesion throughout the year.

A knee injury suffered in practice kept Durant out of Game 1 against the Lakers. He returned for Game 2 but sprained his right ankle in the second half, missing the rest of the series. Durant also drew attention in Game 3 by receiving treatment at Toyota Center rather than sitting with teammates on the bench during a pivotal collapse.

Ime Udoka defended the decision by Durant.

"He was back there getting treatment, getting the ice and doing things you can't do on the bench," Udoka said.

In October, Durant signed a two-year, $90 million extension that contains a player option for the 2027-28 season that will pay him $46 million. Durant took $30 million less than his max available contract.