Former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson believes the Houston Rockets should seriously consider reuniting Russell Westbrook with Kevin Durant, arguing the veteran point guard could provide valuable insurance behind Fred VanVleet as Houston pursues a championship.
Speaking on the Nightcap show, Johnson said he would be willing to take a chance on signing Westbrook if he were running the Rockets.
“I’m taking that gamble because look, think about this,” Johnson said. “Even if Fred VanVleet, I’m sure he will start the season, but damn, he just come off of ACL surgery. Y’all going to run him in the ground for 82 games. And what he going to be able to get you in the postseason? Nothing.”
Johnson believes Houston’s need for experienced depth at point guard outweighs the risks associated with signing the 37-year-old former MVP.
“So, you got to have some depth at that point guard position,” he continued. “Guys who know how to play, guys who know and understand the game and who can make the game easy for guys around him.”
Johnson also pointed to Westbrook’s conditioning as one of his biggest strengths, even in the later stages of his career.
“So, I always think, bro, and when you look at him because he up in age, he always in great damn shape. And for me, y’all know me, bro. I’m a guy who loves a guy in great shape. You’re in great shape. You can play with me any day.”
Westbrook remains one of the highest-profile free agents available after spending the 2025-26 season with the Sacramento Kings. He appeared in 64 games, making 58 starts while averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 29.0 minutes per game. He also shot 42.7% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range, his best three-point percentage since the 2022-23 campaign.
Despite no longer being an All-NBA-caliber player, Westbrook continued to function as an effective playmaker. His 34.3% assist percentage ranked 11th in the NBA last season, underscoring his ability to organize an offense and create opportunities for teammates.
A move to Houston would reunite Westbrook with Durant for the first time since the two starred together with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook also has previous experience with the Rockets, averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists during the 2019-20 season after arriving in a trade from Oklahoma City.
Houston enters the 2026-27 campaign with championship aspirations after acquiring Durant to join a core featuring Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The Rockets finished 52-30 last season, earning the fifth seed in the Western Conference before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the first round of the playoffs.
VanVleet is expected to return after suffering a season-ending ACL injury, but his recovery timeline and workload management remain important considerations. Johnson argued that adding a proven veteran would help Houston avoid placing too much responsibility on its starting point guard during the regular season.
Westbrook has also been linked to interest from EuroLeague clubs as NBA opportunities have become increasingly limited. However, reports have indicated the nine-time All-Star prefers to continue his career in the NBA, leaving the door open for a potential reunion with the Rockets if Houston decides to add another experienced ball-handler before training camp.
