The Houston Rockets have been the most active team since the offseason started.
Initially, they sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 10th pick, and five second-round picks to the Suns to acquire Kevin Durant.
After that, they signed the excellent 3-and-D forward Finnie Smith for 4 years and $53 million; he has a 41.1% three-point shooting rate and ranks among the top ten in defensive efficiency across the league.
They also signed Capela back through a sign-and-trade with the Hawks for 3 years, $21.5 million, forming a deep inside rotation with Shengjin and Adams to improve rebounding and rim protection.
They renewed contracts at the minimum for Holiday, Tate, and Jeff Green, maintaining last season’s core rotation framework.
By using relatively few assets, they acquired Durant, addressing their lack of a go-to scorer in clutch moments.
They also got Little J and Adams at reasonable prices, signed a 3-and-D player to fill Dillon’s spot, and even re-signed the “Pie King”...
After these moves, the Rockets’ roster looks like this:
Starting lineup: Van Jordan, Amen, Durant, Little J, Shengjin; bench includes the 3-and-D player, Eason, White Devil, Shepherd, Adams, Capela, Tate, and Holiday.
It must be said, Stone has shown impressive maneuvering skills.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have become a more balanced team on both offense and defense.
Last season, the Rockets couldn’t beat the Rockets in the playoffs mainly due to offense.
Their defense was already top-tier in the league, but their offense was lacking.
That is exactly why they brought in Durant.
KD’s greatest strength is offense, especially his ability to create tough shots, something the rest of the Rockets don’t possess.
So the question is, after all these moves, what is the Rockets’ remaining weakness?
Without a doubt, it’s their backcourt.
Even with Amen playing the two-guard spot, their depth there is still insufficient.
It remains to be seen what further moves the team will make next.