What happened: Houston could reconsider its roster if the club falls short in 2026-27, while Dallas faces pressure to build around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. Irving is returning from a torn ACL, and Durant has two seasons left on his contract.
Why it matters: LeBron James committing to the Philadelphia 76ers removes a free-agent holdup for other transactions. Late-September training camps leave teams roughly two months to reshape their rosters.
By the numbers: Durant averaged 26 points per game with a 64.1% true-shooting rate last season and will turn 38. Irving is 34, while Flagg is 19.
What to watch: Watch Houston's early results and Irving's return as teams assess possible in-season offers.