What happened: Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone minimized the possibility of trading Kevin Durant following a 52-win season that ended in a first-round playoff exit. The organization remains committed to the veteran forward despite a frustrating inaugural year in Houston marred by injuries.
Why it matters: The Rockets operated without point guard Fred VanVleet for the entire 2025-26 campaign, forcing Durant into heavier on-ball roles that occasionally stalled the offense. Houston intends to evaluate a fully healthy roster before reconsidering the future of its veteran centerpiece.
By the numbers: Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 78 appearances last season, but missed five games during Houston's playoff loss to the Lakers. He holds a $46.1 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
What to watch: Houston will assess its continuity early in the upcoming season. A significantly poor start could revive trade discussions ahead of the February deadline.