The Houston Rockets showcased their win-now mindset this offseason, adding more veterans and executing a record-breaking seven-team trade to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant.
Houston enters the 2025-26 campaign as a top contender in the Western Conference, following a second-place finish in the 2024-25 campaign and a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. In addition to Durant, the Rockets acquired Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela and Josh Okogie while retaining Steven Adams. Their frontcourt now features Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Finney-Smith, Capela and Adams.
By pairing established veterans with a rising young core, the Rockets have positioned themselves to compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a title in 2025-26.
Rockets’ offseason moves turn heads and raise expectations
David Aldridge of The Athletic had high praise for Houston, ranking their offseason moves at No. 1 in the NBA.
“This is a gamble a championship-hunting organization takes,” Aldridge said. “Getting DFS from the Lakers was huge. Respect to GM Rafael Stone and Houston’s front office for not bowing at the OKC altar and shooting their shot.”
MORE: Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley breaks down Kevin Durant’s fit with Houston
While the Thunder remain arguably the most well-positioned team in the West, the Rockets are right there with them.
Houston surpassed expectations last season and saw significant growth from Sengun and Amen Thompson. With a mix of young stars and veterans, a championship isn’t out of the question. Strengthening their center group behind Sengun should also increase opportunities for second-chance points.
The team still needs to finalize an extension with Durant, who is on an expiring contract. Regardless, Houston has the tools in place to make serious noise in the playoffs after an impressive summer.
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