The Houston Rockets are coming off a seven-game first-round playoff exit last season, but they’ll now have a 15-time All-Star at their disposal as they chase their first championship since 1995.
Houston acquired Kevin Durant in a historic seven-team trade in June, giving up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and several second-round picks. With a mix of rising stars and veteran experience, Houston looks poised to compete in a star-studded West.
However, Durant is entering his age-37 season and is currently slated to become a free agent next offseason. While the Rockets are likely to pursue an extension with the superstar, it’s unclear whether they’ll be willing to offer him a maximum veteran deal that would keep him for two more seasons. The two sides have until June 30 to secure an extension, and Durant could opt for a discount.
Kevin Durant trade ranked 4th ‘boldest’ offseason decision
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of the NBA’s most bold moves this summer, placing the Durant trade at No. 4.
“Bold shouldn’t have a negative connotation; the Rockets saw an opportunity to compete at the top of the West and went for it,” he wrote. “… Pencil in Houston as the greatest threat to unseat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the postseason.”
The Rockets are already coming off a second-place finish in a stacked Western Conference during the 2024-25 campaign. With rising stars in Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. complementing veteran talent, the Rockets have the tools to contend.
Durant has remained extremely productive late in his career, despite tearing his Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals. By adding the superstar, Houston is positioned as one of the biggest threats to win the West.
Still, with extension uncertainty looming, Houston is adopting a win-now mindset and will aim to prove that their bold trade was worth the risk.
