Houston Rockets 2025 NBA free agency grade for every signing

The Houston Rockets entered the 2025 NBA offseason with a singular vision: championship contention. Years of rebuilding had culminated in a roster filled with potential, but general manager Rafael Stone knew potential alone wouldn’t bring banners to Houston. With calculated aggression, the front office upgraded key positions and increased roster depth, signaling that the Rockets are done waiting – they’re all in.

Their summer overhaul reflects a bold win-now approach. Houston didn’t just reshuffle minor pieces; it brought in future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, revamped its supporting cast, and strengthened its bench, all without gutting the young core or mortgaging the future. But in going all-in for immediate results, did the team risk its long-term upside?

Strategic upgrades across the board

Houston addressed three critical needs: a dominant perimeter scorer, a reliable 3-and-D wing, and playoff-tested depth at center.

Kevin Durant in, Jalen Green out. This was the defining move of Houston’s offseason. Durant instantly raises the Rockets’ offensive ceiling. His playoff pedigree and scoring versatility overshadow Green’s raw but inconsistent output. While Durant’s age and injury history bring risk, his fit with Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. gives Houston a legitimate Big 3.

Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith replaces Dillon Brooks. While Brooks was a vocal leader and defensive presence, Finney-Smith offers more efficient shooting and a better contract. He fits well in switch-heavy defensive schemes and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact.

Clint Capela replaces Jock Landale. Capela’s experience as a playoff-tested rim protector adds much-needed frontcourt stability. He’ll ease the load on Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun while offering rebounding and interior defense during key stretches.

These additions cost the Rockets Cam Whitmore and the No. 10 pick, but the core – Thompson, Smith, Sengun, Sheppard- remains untouched. That balance between going all-in and maintaining future assets makes Houston’s summer particularly impressive.

Houston Rockets 2025 free agency grades

Clint Capela – B+