Oklahoma City’s home opener was always going to be a celebration after the June 2025 win. But when the league confirmed that Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets would be the opponent for the night, it instantly shifted from just another ceremonial evening to one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the new season. It’s not every day a former franchise cornerstone walks into a party he’s not exactly the guest of honor for. That backdrop alone has been enough to stir reactions.
Fans have already started framing it as a ratings ploy. Is it an NBA office move or just a coincidence? Durant, who spent eight seasons in Oklahoma City before his departure to Golden State in 2016, remains one of the most polarizing figures in the city’s sports history. Many have described the idea of him sitting courtside, watching a team he once led raise a banner for a conference title as the league’s version of awkwardly inviting someone you wouldn’t want to be around. And as expected, Kevin Durant broke his silence on X.
When sports radio host Bobby T posted about the situation: “I’m a fan of pettiness. @KDTrey5 having to watch OKC raise a banner is petty. That being said if I’m KD, I wear both GSW championship rings during the ceremony and flash them constantly. 2 can play that game,” Durant replied. “Seriously, what’s petty about it?” The conversation kept rolling, with fans suggesting the league wanted him in the building for drama. Durant responded to one of those takes with, “No, they know FANS will eat this up,” shifting the focus from Adam Silver’s scheduling to how supporters would react.
No, they know FANS will eat this up
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 9, 2025
The October 21 matchup has been billed by outlets like ESPN as a clear “ratings play,” with Malika Andrews noting that the optics of Durant in the arena during the celebration would fuel social media. Thunder season-ticket holders are already advertising “KD vs. Ring Night” packages, while Yahoo Sports reported internal notes about seating Durant away from older OKC banners to avoid awkward camera shots.
Still, as NBA Coaches Association president Jim Cleamons put it, the league sees this as “packaging must-see events.” Whether it’s a calculated PR move or not, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated and awkward season openers in recent memory.
This is a developing story…
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