Could Durant leave the Rockets again? Payton reveals the Supersonics are about to return: KD wants to retire in Seattle

On November 28th Beijing time, will the Rockets be Durant’s final team? NBA legend Payton at least disagrees. In his recent podcast, he mentioned that the Supersonics’ comeback to the NBA is very close, and Durant wishes to retire with that franchise.

Durant was traded to the Rockets during the offseason, and up to now, this trade has proven highly effective. The Rockets have risen into the top tier of the Western Conference, currently holding a 12-4 record and ranking fourth in the West.

Even with Durant absent due to personal reasons, the Rockets have kept their momentum, securing consecutive wins against the Suns and Warriors. During Durant’s absence, Shepherd performed impressively. Although the team plays well without Durant, his presence undoubtedly elevates their strength. So far this season, Durant averages 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

If the NBA expands in the future, Seattle and Las Vegas are expected to be top contenders. Seattle welcomed the Supersonics in 1967, marking the city’s first professional sports team.

According to NBA legend Payton’s podcast, the Supersonics’ return is “just around the corner.” Payton pointed out that Durant might leave Houston to join the team where his career began. The podcast host said, “Gary Payton told me the Supersonics’ comeback is ‘close at hand,’ and he believes Kevin Durant is waiting for the team to be revived before retiring.”

In July 2008, the Supersonics left Seattle, and Durant along with others moved with the team to Oklahoma City, where the franchise was renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The main reason for the Supersonics leaving Seattle was that the new ownership group led by Bennett intended to relocate the team to Oklahoma City.

Key factors included Seattle’s failure to secure public funding for a new or renovated arena, a lack of political support for arena-related agreements, and ongoing legal and political disputes over the team’s future.

Additionally, Oklahoma City successfully positioned itself as the ideal relocation destination, and the Thunder have since established deep roots there. At 37, Durant has already re-signed with the Rockets, but will he truly leave Houston in the future to join the Supersonics and retire there? Only time will tell.