The Houston Rockets are no longer rebuilding; they’re reloading. After a solid 52-30 season that saw them finish second in the Western Conference and push the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round, Houston made it clear: moral victories weren’t enough. They wanted rings. And this offseason, they’ve taken massive strides toward that goal.
Here are the six major moves that now make the Rockets arguably the biggest winners of the 2025 offseason.
1. Traded For Kevin Durant
Let’s start with the blockbuster. The Rockets pulled off the move of the summer by acquiring two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. In exchange, they sent out Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 Draft, and five second-round picks, a surprisingly modest package considering Durant’s pedigree.Â
The most crucial part? They managed to keep Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Durant, 36, may be older, but he’s still elite. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, shooting an absurd 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from deep. Adding his scoring to an already promising young core gives the Rockets championship upside.
2. Re-Signed Fred VanVleet
Veteran leadership remains vital for young rosters, and the Rockets retained theirs at a discount. The Rockets decline Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option, only for him to return on a 2-year, $50 million deal.Â
He remains a steady hand at point guard, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while providing high IQ play and playoff experience.
3. Extended Jabari Smith Jr.
Locking in your future is just as important as acquiring stars. The Rockets gave Jabari Smith Jr. a five-year, $122 million extension, keeping the versatile forward in Houston through 2031.Â
At just 21 years old, Smith averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds, and his defensive flexibility makes him a valuable building block around Durant.
4. Re-Signed Steven Adams
While Steven Adams’ stats, 3.9 points and 5.7 rebounds, don’t jump off the page, his impact does.Â
After missing the entire 2024-25 season with injury, the Rockets rewarded Adams with a 3-year, $39 million deal, banking on his leadership, elite screens, rebounding, and locker-room presence. Few players are more respected across the league.
5. Signed Dorian Finney-Smith
Another key pickup came on the wing, with the Rockets landing Dorian Finney-Smith on a 4-year, $53 million deal. DFS is a prototypical 3-and-D forward, averaging 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shooting a career-best 41.1% from three.Â
His defense and floor spacing make him a perfect complement next to Durant and Thompson.
6. Brought Back Clint Capela
Finally, they reunited with a familiar face. Clint Capela, once the anchor of the Rockets’ defense during the Harden era, returns on a 3-year, $21 million deal after averaging 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and a block per game for Atlanta. He brings rim protection, rebounding, and a lob threat to a roster that now boasts multiple creators.
All six moves, headlined by Durant’s arrival, have transformed Houston from a fun team to a genuine title contender. The Rockets are no longer rebuilding; they’re hunting banners.Â
