New-look Houston Rockets’ starting five ready after Kevin Durant’s arrival

It’s clear that the Houston Rockets are aiming to be serious championship contenders next season, as shown by the flurry of moves they’ve made during the NBA offseason. Last season, they finished second in the Western Conference with a 52–30 record, trailing only the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder (68–14).

However, their playoff run ended in heartbreak, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven-game series.

Kevin Durant’s arrival shakes the NBA

The biggest headline came with the arrival of Kevin Durant, who instantly stole the spotlight by joining the Rockets in a historic seven-team blockbuster trade. The deal involved six players, 13 draft picks, and cash considerations, making it one of the most complex trades in league history.

The teams involved were the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns.

Details of the seven-team trade

• Phoenix Suns received: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach (10th pick via the Rockets), Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, and five second-round picks (two of which were used to draft Fleming and Brea).
• Houston Rockets received: Kevin Durant and Clint Capela.
• Brooklyn Nets received: Two second-round picks.
• Golden State Warriors received: Alex Toohey and Jahmai Mashack (later flipped to acquire Will Richard).
• Atlanta Hawks received: A second-round pick, David Roddy, and cash.
• Los Angeles Lakers received: Adou Thiero.
• Minnesota Timberwolves received: Rocco Zikarsky, two second-round picks, and cash.

Durant, still one of the league’s premier scorers, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games last season.

Additional key signings

Houston didn’t stop there. The Rockets also signed forward Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year, $53 million deal. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 63 games last season split between the Lakers and Nets. Finney-Smith was a key acquisition, especially after the departures of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green in the Durant deal.

They also bolstered their front-court by adding Clint Capela as a free agent. The center signed a three-year deal worth $21.5 million and is expected to add depth and rim protection to the roster.

The team also retained several important contributors by agreeing to contract extensions with Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr. (five years, $122 million), Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate.

Projected Starting Five for the 2025–26 Season

• PG | Fred VanVleet
• SG | Amen Thompson
• SF | Jabari Smith Jr.
• PF | Kevin Durant
• C | Alperen Sengun

Rotation: Dorian Finney-Smith, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, Jock Landale

Related stories

NBA

Nuggets forced to wait on Jokic after contract crisis sparked

NBA

The bad luck haunting the game’s biggest stars

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.