What happened: The veteran forward could request a move from the Houston Rockets before the end of his career. Kevin Durant had hoped to retire with the franchise but endured a difficult first season. Houston had a quiet offseason, extending Tari Eason and adding Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, while the star has previously requested trades from the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.

Why it matters: The organization needs its top scorer to fully buy in for the upcoming 2026-27 season. A healthy Fred VanVleet offers the chance for improvement, but commitment remains a focal point after the Rockets were reportedly open to dealing Durant earlier this summer. As long as he stays engaged, the franchise plans to continue building around him.

What to watch: Watch to see if Durant commits to Houston for the upcoming season or explores a trade request.