Rockets trending upward, acquire Durant and keep both, but relegating a recent number three pick to the bench for the remainder of Durant’s career feels perilous.

The Houston Rockets face some crucial decisions this summer.

Right now, things are mostly positive—let’s set aside that six-game losing streak. Overall, it’s been a great season for Houston, just like last year. The team continues to progress, which is exactly what they should be aiming for.

In 2025-26, another leap forward is necessary. Complacency isn’t an option. Fortunately, the Rockets have plenty of young talent and trade assets to keep improving.

A Defining Offseason for Houston

The outcome of this year’s playoffs will heavily influence their next steps. If the Rockets make a deep run—perhaps reaching the Conference Finals—they might opt for continuity, making only minor roster tweaks. That kind of success would put them so far ahead of schedule that major changes could be hard to justify.

On the other hand, an early playoff exit—especially a first-round sweep—could lead to drastic moves. If a key player underperforms, Houston might consider reshuffling its young core, particularly if the right trade opportunity arises.

A second-round exit presents a tougher dilemma. It wouldn’t be disastrous, but it might leave the Rockets in an uncertain middle ground, weighing whether to stay the course or take bigger risks. Of course, their decisions will also depend on what trade options actually become available.

Should Houston Make a Move for a Star?

Now, let’s address the big question:

Kevin Durant.

Of all potential stars, Durant seems like the most realistic target. Houston controls three future first-round picks from the Suns, giving them a unique advantage in trade talks. Acquiring Durant wouldn’t require gutting the roster, and he’s a seamless fit with most of the current team.

Some might argue he overlaps with Jabari Smith Jr., but others could see an opportunity to maximize spacing by shifting Smith Jr. to center—which would likely mean moving Alperen Sengun. That scenario seems unlikely, though. Sengun leads the team with a +5.6 net rating, according to CleaningTheGlass. His impact is undeniable, even if his shooting and rim protection are still developing.

If the Rockets trade for Durant, they’d likely have to part with Smith Jr. along with a mix of Jalen Green, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, and the Suns’ 2027 and 2029 picks.

Durant isn’t the only star Houston could pursue. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a possibility, though his lack of outside shooting complicates his fit alongside Sengun and Amen Thompson. Still, acquiring a top-five player in his prime might be too tempting to pass up.

There are also rumors about Ja Morant, with the Grizzlies reportedly open to moving him. His injury history is concerning, but his childhood fandom of the Rockets adds an interesting wrinkle. Trae Young could fill a need for Houston, though his defense might not fit Ime Udoka’s system.

Or maybe the Rockets will focus on adding more shooting rather than chasing a superstar. They could also choose to stay the course with their current core. Whatever they decide, this offseason will offer a clear indication of their long-term vision.