The Philadelphia 76ers do not have the backing of a strong showing last season to propel them to their 2025-26 campaign while bringing back virtually the same roster — that no one can deny. As a result, even with the season having not started yet, the front office have every reason to look forward to the next big opportunity that could end up being too good to pass up.
I kid you not — one superstar who made a move just recently could very well find himself on the move once again soon enough. Scrap with the guesswork — it’s Kevin Durant we’re talking about, and boy does he have the tools to alter the league’s landscape anew next summer.
The superstar was traded by the Suns to the Rockets this offseason, sending him to his fifth franchise. But in light of what has been recently reported, his stint in Houston could end up being his most short-lived yet.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Rockets are not going all-in on the idea of extending Durant this summer. In addition, their front office is believed to be unlikely to be willing to extend him an offer close to the max, raising the possibility that he ends up being a mere rental for Houston.
76ers could explore the idea of going after Kevin Durant next offseason
Should Durant not extend with the Rockets, that will unlock a window for the 76ers to toy with their pipe dream of landing the superstar. That has not been realized this summer thanks to obvious reasons (e.g. not having the assets to go after him), but if the stars align, that might harden into a real possibility for the franchise.
Say, Paul George makes a grand comeback this season and Durant ends up being a bona fide flight risk for the Rockets. There is a world out there where the 76ers and the Rockets deem it feasible to include both players in a sign-and-deal scenario.
Likewise, if things worsen for Philly next season and they think that Tyrese Maxey has become expendable due to the presence of Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, he would be a hell of a lure for Houston to swap him for Durant. Now, that is much less likeable for the 76ers, but it’s technically viable.
Anyway, no matter how it ends up looking like and through whichever means, the Philadelphia 76ers should not gloss over the fact that Kevin Durant can be had one way or the other, especially if the Houston Rockets grow complacent.