Quin Cook reacted to Kevin Durant’s blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets, saying he expected Durant to land in either Houston or San Antonio.
“I’m surprised that the Rockets kept [Tari] Eason, Reed Shepherd, Cam Whitmore… but, I thought it was a great move by Houston,” Cook told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
When asked if Durant’s arrival makes Houston an instant title contender, Cook did not hesitate. “For sure. 100 percent. They were number #2 in the West and took Golden State to a Game 7 at home, but they were missing that scorer,” he said.
“Jalen Green is an up and coming superstar with his first playoff experience, but they were missing that… that guy who can be like, Okay. Calm down. Gimme the ball… and now they got the best scorer in NBA history,” Cook said.
Durant, who joins a Rockets team that gave up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks in a seven-team trade, will immediately become the centerpiece of Houston’s championship push. Cook believes the Rockets’ combination of experience and young talent positions them to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on Durant’s potential alternative destinations, Cook said the forward would likely have joined the Mavericks if not for Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury. “Oh yeah. 100 percent! I know their relationship. I think Dallas had a very good chance of getting him,” he noted.
Durant’s move to Houston represents a dramatic roster overhaul, with the Rockets retaining key pieces such as Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, and Cam Whitmore while acquiring a proven superstar. Cook believes this mix of youth and experience gives Houston the depth and scoring ability needed to challenge for the title immediately.
The Rockets will begin the 2025–26 season with high expectations under head coach Ime Udoka, who will integrate Durant alongside veterans like Alperen Sengun, Clint Capela, and Jeff Green.
