What happened: Houston opens the 2026-27 preseason with Kevin Durant atop a young core. The question is whether the Rockets hold that mix together through the deadline if they sit outside the West's top three.

Why it matters: Two consecutive first-round exits have raised the cost of standing pat. Keeping Durant bets on a breakthrough, while moving him offers role-player depth and future picks to extend the timeline.

What to watch: Watch Houston's seeding into February. Its place in the West will decide whether Durant stays or becomes the deadline market's top chip.