Paul Pierce explains why Kevin Durant-Rockets relationship might not survive this offseason
Paul Pierce claims Kevin Durant’s burner account drama and playoff injuries fractured the Rockets’ chemistry after a disappointing first-round exit.
Paul Pierce explains why Kevin Durant-Rockets relationship might not survive this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2025–26 Houston Rockets finished 52–30, earning the West’s fifth seed despite losing Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to injuries.
Kevin Durant stayed healthy for 78 games, averaging 26 points, 5. 5 rebounds, and 4. 8 assists.
On the surface, the season looked like a success. But according to reports, the chemistry was rotting behind the scenes. It all started during the All-Star break, after screenshots reportedly linking Durant to a burner account, "@gethigher77," became public.
The two-time NBA champion allegedly used the account to bash teammates Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. Durant dismissed it as "Twitter nonsense," but The Athletic reported the locker room never moved past it. Even though they held a player-only meeting and agreed to move on, the tension remained.