What happened: Houston opens the 2026-27 preseason with Kevin Durant's deadline future as the central roster question. ESPN's Tim MacMahon said Durant ranked at the top of Houston's connectivity problems last season. MacMahon said Fred VanVleet directly improves connectivity and shifts primary leadership duties off Durant.

Why it matters: Durant can opt out next summer, leaving Houston at risk of losing him for nothing if the season stalls. A deadline trade is the mechanism to secure value before that decision point. VanVleet's return lets Durant focus on scoring while Houston tests whether the locker-room mix improves.

What to watch: Watch Houston's early record and any movement on Durant's option status ahead of February.