Kevin Durant lands in Houston as the marquee offseason splash, topping ESPN’s list of newcomers to watch for 2025-26. His proven closer’s mentality and shot-making immediately elevate the Rockets’ ceiling and give them a true go-to option in crunch time.

Houston’s young core—Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard—and the return of Jalen Green all stand to benefit from Durant’s gravity and playmaking. Myles Turner joins the frontcourt as a veteran presence, while Cooper Flag represents a high-upside rookie piece in DAL’s draft pipeline.