Full Breakdown
Kevin Durant Faces Allegations of Using Burner Account to Criticize Teammates
2/17/2026, 12:01:29 AM
Allegations of a Burner Account
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations that he operated a burner account on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @gethigher77. This account, which has since been made private, reportedly contained messages that criticized both current and former teammates, including Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Devin Booker, and Kyrie Irving. The situation escalated during the NBA All-Star Weekend, with screenshots of the alleged messages circulating widely on social media.
Content of the Alleged Messages
The leaked messages attributed to the account include harsh critiques of various players. For instance, Durant allegedly described Jabari Smith Jr. as someone he "can’t trust to make a f**kin shot or get a stop," and referred to Alperen Sengun as a franchise player who "can’t shoot or defend." Comments directed at former teammates were equally scathing, with Booker compared to dictators and Kyrie Irving accused of acting as if Durant owed him something. Other notable mentions included disparaging remarks about Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr from his time with the Golden State Warriors.
Background and Context
This incident is not the first time Durant has faced scrutiny over social media. In 2017, he was caught using a burner account to defend himself against criticism regarding his move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Warriors. Durant has acknowledged using burner accounts in the past, citing them as a way to express his thoughts without the pressure of his public persona. However, the current allegations have reignited discussions about his online behavior and its potential impact on team dynamics.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, Durant has not publicly addressed the allegations surrounding the burner account. The Rockets organization has also remained silent on the matter. Some fans and analysts have expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the messages, suggesting that they may have been fabricated or exaggerated. Notably, a streamer named NEON defended Durant, stating, "He would never do something like that. He would never hate on his teammates."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Durant have pointed out the potential ramifications of these allegations on his relationships with teammates. Many fans expressed disappointment, particularly regarding the comments about younger players like Smith and Sengun. The backlash has raised concerns about trust within the Rockets' locker room, especially given Durant's role as a veteran leader on the team. Some observers have noted that the timing of the leaks, coinciding with All-Star Weekend, adds to the drama surrounding the situation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many sources report on the allegations and the content of the messages, there is no verified evidence confirming that Durant is indeed behind the @gethigher77 account. The authenticity of the screenshots remains unproven, and some users have pointed out inconsistencies in the formatting of the messages. Additionally, Durant's history of using burner accounts complicates the narrative, leading to divided opinions among fans and analysts.
What's Next
As the situation develops, it is expected that Durant will be questioned about the allegations when the NBA season resumes. The outcome of this controversy could have lasting implications for Durant's reputation and his relationship with teammates, as well as his standing within the league. Until there is a clear resolution, the basketball community will continue to speculate about the authenticity of the claims and their potential impact on the Houston Rockets.
