After a loss in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Rockets have made a roster change. Over the weekend, Houston traded with Phoenix to acquire two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant.
In that deal, the Rockets sent the Suns Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and five second-round picks. Green and Brooks were both full-time starters for Houston.
So who will start for the Rockets next season with these key players gone?
The answer is taking shape, and it looks like a major shakeup is coming.
According to Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets are expected to roll out a starting five of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün.
This marks a significant shift from last season’s lineup.
The Rockets’ pursuit of Durant came after weeks of speculation. Despite the front office initially downplaying their interest – citing Durant’s age and their confidence in internal development – they ultimately pulled the trigger on the blockbuster deal.
Several teams, including the Heat and Spurs, were also in the mix for Durant’s services.
Phoenix had reportedly been in trade talks with multiple teams for weeks before settling on Houston’s offer.
The new-look starting lineup represents head coach Ime Udoka’s vision for integrating Durant into the team’s structure. While VanVleet and Şengün were already fixtures in the starting five last season, the other positions will see changes.
Smith Jr., who began last season as a starter before a hand injury sidelined him, will likely return to the starting lineup. When he came back from injury, he found his spot taken by rookie Amen Thompson.
Now, both players are expected to start alongside Durant.
One thing that stands out about this potential starting five? Their size.
Except for VanVleet, who stands at six feet tall, every starter is at least 6’7″. This gives the Rockets tremendous length at nearly every position on the floor.
While they’ve lost some talent in Green and Brooks, the Rockets still have plenty of defensive pieces for Udoka to work with.
The addition of Durant addresses Houston’s biggest need: offensive firepower. The former MVP and scoring machine should provide the scoring punch that the young Rockets lacked in their playoff appearance.
The 2025-26 season will be Durant’s 18th in the NBA. At this stage of his career, the big question remains – how far can he take this promising but unproven Houston team?
