What happened: Houston traded Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to Phoenix in the seven-team deal that brought Kevin Durant to the Rockets. Brooks then averaged a 2 points for the Suns while shooting 34.4% from three.
Why it matters: Brooks handled difficult perimeter assignments, leaving Thompson freer to disrupt passing lanes and protect from the weak side. His departure also removed a secondary creator from Houston's wing rotation.
By the numbers: Houston's defensive rating moved from 110.3 and fifth in 2024-25 to 112.1 and sixth in 2025-26. The Rockets were plus-4.2 with Brooks on the court and plus-7.6 with him off in his final Houston season.
What to watch: Houston will test whether Marcus Smart can take the toughest perimeter matchups and restore Thompson's roaming role in 2026-27.