Clint Capela has returned to the Houston Rockets after several seasons away, signing a three-year contract worth $21.5 million. The Swiss center, who first joined the Rockets in 2014, will now serve a backup role behind All-Star Alperen Sengun and veteran Steven Adams. Capela’s scoring and rebounding averages have dipped recently, indicating a shift in his career as he transitions to a more supportive position.

With his experience, Capela offers the Rockets a reliable option off the bench. Houston's depth chart will likely see some experimentation with double big lineups, potentially allowing Capela to see significant minutes while Adams undergoes load management. This signing comes as the Rockets aim to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

The addition of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets via trade from Phoenix raises immediate questions among Lakers fans. With the Rockets having secured Durant in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and several draft picks, many believe this strengthens an already potent team. However, scrutinizing Houston’s roster reveals potential weaknesses. Alperen Sengun is showing promise, but lacks the scoring prowess to elevate the team to championship status. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson, though talented, may not reach superstar levels. Veteran Fred VanVleet struggled with his shooting, casting doubt on Houston's offensive capabilities.

Historically, Durant's previous teams have struggled to live up to expectations despite having significant talent. The Brooklyn Nets, touted as a potential super team with Durant, made little playoff impact. Similarly, the Suns faltered after his arrival. With the Rockets in a similar position, the question remains: can they overcome past trends and truly contend for a title? For Lakers fans, this opens a window of opportunity to assemble a more competitive roster this offseason, especially considering their own potential talent pool.

In a monumental trade, the Houston Rockets have acquired superstar forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, giving up Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. This move is aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities after a solid 52-win season, where they finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Durant, a two-time NBA champion and a prolific scorer, is expected to slot seamlessly into the Rockets' lineup, providing a vital scoring punch to a team that struggled offensively last season. His impressive shooting stats, including a 43% success rate from beyond the arc, will alleviate some pressure off Alperen Şengün, the team's standout center.

The Rockets, under coach Ime Udoka, boast a rich roster featuring Fred VanVleet and promising talents like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. While Green's explosive scoring and Brooks' defensive prowess will be missed, Durant's experience and versatility could elevate the team's chances significantly in the upcoming season.

Kevin Durant's monumental trade to the Houston Rockets on the day of Game 7 of the NBA Finals has sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Phoenix Suns have traded the 15-time All-Star in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick, and five second-round picks. With Durant, Houston has bolstered its championship aspirations, pairing him with All-Star Alperen Şengün. The deal reflects Houston's strategic strengths while Phoenix navigates a crucial rebuild.

Houston's defense remains elite, with Durant enhancing their rim protection. Despite parting with Green, who's facing a hefty contract, they replace him with Reed Sheppard, ensuring continued depth. The Rockets are now serious contenders, boasting the second-best odds to win the 2025-26 title after this landmark trade. Meanwhile, the Suns, forced to trade Durant, adjusted their roster but face challenges with leverage and depth going forward.

In a stunning move, the Phoenix Suns have traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a substantial package including Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks. Durant, who has averaged 26.6 points with a shooting percentage of 52.7% in the 2024-25 season, will now join All-Star Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet on the Rockets, a team that finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

This blockbuster trade highlights Durant's continued impact since leaving the Warriors in 2019, showcasing how his presence can alter a team's trajectory. The Rockets will now be better positioned to contend in the Western Conference, following their first-round exit against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs.