Kevin Durant Burner Account Exposed: Rockets Star Allegedly Trashed Teammates in Private Group Chats — 'I Can't Trust Jabari'

Kevin Durant can't seem to quit the burner accounts.

Leaked screenshots allegedly show the Houston Rockets star using an anonymous social media profile to trash teammates in private group chats. The messages, which began circulating online over the weekend, have reignited a controversy Durant has faced multiple times before.

That's reportedly a reference to Jabari Smith Jr., the 22-year-old forward Durant was brought to Houston to mentor. The Rockets signed Durant to a $90 million (£66 million) extension in October 2025, betting that the 37-year-old could guide their young core toward a championship.

Now, questions about locker room trust are impossible to ignore.

The Alleged Messages Go Beyond One Teammate

The leaked screenshots don't stop at Smith Jr. According to The Liberty Line, the anonymous account allegedly took aim at Durant's former Phoenix Suns teammates, too.

Another allegedly claimed: 'The Suns are my team when we lose and Book's team when we win.'

The screenshots have sparked intense online discussion, with critics questioning Durant's judgment and maturity despite his status as a 15-time All-Star.

This Isn't His First Burner Scandal

Durant's history with anonymous accounts goes back nearly a decade.

In September 2017, while playing for the Golden State Warriors, he accidentally tweeted from his verified account in third person. The message defended his decision to leave Oklahoma City, criticising his former coach, Billy Donovan, and teammate Russell Westbrook. It was clearly meant for a burner.

'He didn't like the organisation or playing for Billy Donovan. His roster wasn't that good, it was just him and Russ,' the tweet read, according to reports.

The slip-up exposed Durant's habit. Rather than stop, he leaned into it.

'I still have burners that I use for sure,' Durant told Alex Rodriguez on The Corp podcast in 2020. 'When I deleted it I was like, these people really made me delete what I enjoy. So I got another one.'

What Durant Said Just Months Ago

Here's where the timing gets awkward.

In October 2025, Durant appeared on The Pivot podcast and addressed his social media habits directly. He framed his online engagement as a 'quick release' of emotions he didn't want to hold onto.

'I don't want to build up all this hate towards media or fans,' Durant said. 'So I just say what I feel in the moment.'

He also defended interacting with critics, arguing it actually helps the league. 'I really believe that these people that I might be sh*tting on sometimes, they enjoy these interactions,' he explained. 'That might push them to buy more NBA tickets.'

The logic made sense when applied to anonymous trolls. It's harder to square with allegedly trashing the teammates who share your locker room.

Why This Matters for Houston

The Rockets entered the season as legitimate title contenders. They acquired Durant in July through the largest trade in NBA history, a seven-team deal that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 draft pick to Phoenix, according to ESPN.

Durant earns $54.7 million (£40 million) this season. His extension guarantees another $90 million (£66 million) through 2027-28. That's a significant investment in a player expected to anchor Houston's championship push.

But championships require trust.

If Smith Jr. believes his 37-year-old mentor privately mocks his ability to 'make a shot or get a stop,' that relationship changes. Same goes for any teammate wondering what Durant might be saying about them in another group chat.

Durant remains one of basketball's greatest scorers. According to Basketball Reference, he's averaging over 25 points this season while shooting above 50% from the field. His on-court brilliance isn't in question.

What's harder to explain is why someone with two championships, two Finals MVP awards, and nearly $600 million (£440 million) in career earnings still needs anonymous validation online.

Durant addressed that compulsion on The Pivot, calling it a way to stay connected to the basketball community. The latest leaks suggest the connection runs deeper and darker than he let on.

Whether the Rockets can move past this controversy may depend on how Smith Jr. and his teammates respond. Durant's burner habit has survived public exposure before. This time, the criticism wasn't aimed at random X trolls. It was allegedly aimed at his own team.