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.

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.