The Houston Rockets are parting ways with center Jock Landale ahead of his contract's guarantee date. With the acquisition of Clint Capela, the team's center depth has increased, making Landale expendable despite his solid performance as a rotational big man. Last season, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds over 42 games, demonstrating versatility and a consistent presence off the bench. Landale's ability to shoot from mid-range or beyond the arc adds a different dynamic to the traditional center role, emphasizing modern basketball's shift towards versatile big men.

Looking ahead, Landale is expected to sign with a team of his choice once he clears waivers, potentially adding value to a franchise in need of depth at the center position. The Rockets continue to refine their roster, signaling a proactive approach in building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.

The Houston Rockets have made significant roster changes this offseason, aiming to build on their recent playoff appearance. After a successful 52-30 season, they were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors. Houston retained its young core including Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, while they acquired 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, which should elevate their competitive status.

In addition to Durant, the Rockets signed Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, who returns after being a key player in the James Harden era. They also re-signed Fred VanVleet to a two-year deal and brought back other free agents to bolster the bench. However, in a surprising move, they have released center Jock Landale ahead of a salary guarantee, which opens opportunities for younger talent.

The Houston Rockets have shifted their strategy towards a win-now approach following a brief playoff run in the 2024-25 season. They've reportedly agreed to trade for two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, a move that could involve a record-breaking seven-team swap including prominent franchises like the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors. Alongside this, the Rockets re-signed key players Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams while re-acquiring Clint Capela through creative salary cap management.

In a surprising development, the Rockets waived center Jock Landale, a player who had shown potential but found himself squeezed out by Houston's aggressive offseason moves. This decision clears much-needed cap space, enabling the Rockets to finalize Durant's acquisition without breaching the league's financial thresholds. As the Rockets aim to solidify their roster for a championship run, the implications of their offseason decisions will be closely watched by fantasy basketball enthusiasts.

Kevin Durant's anticipated trade to the Houston Rockets remains unconfirmed, primarily due to the ongoing free agency moratorium. The deal, once finalized, is set to be historic, involving a record seven teams: the Rockets, Suns, Hawks, Lakers, Timberwolves, Nets, and Warriors. This intricate transaction is not expected to introduce significant player movement; instead, it revolves around salary cap strategies and CBA regulations.

The expansion of this trade includes several notable elements, such as a sign-and-trade for Clint Capela with the Hawks and draft pick swaps involving the Timberwolves, Warriors, and Nets. As the July 6 deadline approaches, teams are incentivized to coordinate their moves to ensure compliance with the salary cap, as seen in past multi-team trades.

Kevon Harris is set to join the Houston Rockets on a two-way contract after a solid season in the G League, where he shot over 40% from beyond the arc. The Rockets had an open two-way slot following the decision not to tender a qualifying offer to Jack McVeigh. Harris, who earned MVP honors in the G League Next Up Game, averaged nearly 20 points and 7 rebounds during the season. The two-way deal allows him to split time between the Rockets and their G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

At 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, the former Stephen F. Austin standout's athleticism and hustle have been his standout traits, allowing him to work his way into the NBA after going undrafted in 2020. In his time with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in limited minutes. This deal positions Harris to potentially elevate his game further in the summer league later this month.