Rockets Surprisingly Cut Key Player Amid Wild Summer Moves

The Houston Rockets have reportedly made yet another a bold roster change to top off a summer that's already full of them.

Despite registering a 52-30 record and returning to the postseason for the first time in five years during the 2024-25 season, Houston was ousted by the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game first round playoff encounter.

Still, the Rockets' exciting young core of All-Defensive Team wing Amen Thompson, All-Star power forward/center Alperen Sengun, forward Jabari Smith Jr., forward Tari Eason, and guards Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard had the club trending up heading into the offseason.

But Houston made some massive upgrades with a series of wild moves.

First, the Rockets flipped wings Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, their rights to the No. 10 pick in this year's draft (used on Duke center Khaman Maluach), and five second rounders to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant. Durant brings size, championship experience, and elite three-level scoring to the fold.

Houston also brought in 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith and rim-rolling center Clint Capela, the latter of whom was once a key piece of the Rockets' James Harden era.

The Rockets also re-signed starting point guard Fred VanVleet on a team-friendly two-year, $50 million deal and reserve center Steven Adams to a three-season, $39 million contract. The team also opted to bring back several of its own free agents to fill out the bench in Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green.