Jordan Goodwin returns to Phoenix Suns on waivers, bringing grit, defense, and a reliable second-unit presence. The low-cost addition is designed to anchor on-ball pressure and stabilize lineups behind Devin Booker and the Suns' growing youth core. Success hinges on improved shooting and playmaking, but his defensive impact and rebounding provide immediate value in a roster built for 2-way versatility.

Projected role centers on a tempo guard who can guard ones and twos, push in transition, and reset the offense without forcing action. If the jumper improves and decision-making stays solid, Goodwin can carve out a meaningful rotation spot; if not, his minutes may stay limited despite the upside.

Ime Udoka outlined a plan to weave Kevin Durant into Houston's offense at the upcoming coaches retreat, emphasizing a seamless fit rather than a spotlight hog. Durant’s presence should elevate efficiency and open looks for the Rockets’ young core, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun likely anchoring the starting group alongside Durant, while Jabari Smith Jr. competes for the fifth spot during camp.

Durant’s track record of high efficiency and late-game decision-making should lift the Rockets’ half-court execution, historically a weakness. Udoka and Royal Ivey’s Brooklyn ties to Durant hint at a similar, ball-sharing approach that still leverages Durant to close games, while precamp drills in late September will determine exact lineups and roles.

The trade that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix clears the deck for Durant to blend with Houston’s core, with Durant drawing attention that should free up shooters and cutters. The mix of Durant’s IQ and the Rockets’ length and scoring depth sets up a potentially more efficient and versatile offense this season.

Durant’s arrival brings elite scoring and gravity, letting Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson flourish as Durant orchestrates the offense. Finney-Smith adds 3-and-D gravity, while Capela and Okogie supply defense and boards; the Rockets’ depth looks West-ready.

Durant won’t play every game, so non-Durant minutes must hold up and the roster’s older, injury-prone profile adds risk. Houston also added VanVleet, kept key young pieces, and reshaped the rotation for a potential 55-win pace and a deep playoff push.

With a tough early schedule and a friendlier second half, Houston projects a strong postseason run and a possible conference finals bid if chemistry and health cooperate.

Durant remains among the game’s most lethal scorers and now anchors a Rockets squad that aims to pair elite offense with a renewed, defense-first identity. Amen Thompson and Sengun form a dynamic frontcourt duo with Adams protecting the rim, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Durant spacing the floor. The defense looks to trend top-five again, potentially unlocking Durant’s stamina and elevating Houston’s ceiling for fantasy impact across scorers, passers, and multipliers.

Durant’s path to a top-five all-time scoring finish stays in play, even at 36, as the Rockets lean into a zone-heavy, hard-nosed approach that lets Durant conserve energy on defense while still dominating on offense. The mix of Durant’s gravity, Sengun’s playmaking, and Thompson’s burst could make Houston a sleeper for fantasy managers who chase high-usage stars paired with a stifling defense.

Houston reshapes its core around Kevin Durant, adding Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela while filling 14 roster spots and keeping one more open. Beasley looms as a top bench shooter option, contingent on fit and cost, with internal competition from Cameron Matthews. The upheaval signals a championship bid and a fresh surrounding cast for Sengun and Amen Thompson, whose spacing and playmaking could maximize Durant’s impact.

Beasley’s 16.3 ppg and 41.6% 3-point mark last season, coupled with Durant’s gravity, could unlock efficient looks for Durant, Sengun and the rookie duo. Jalen Green’s exit and Brooks’ departure reshape the Rockets’ fantasy landscape, while the Pistons’ prior dealings frame Beasley’s market. Capela anchors the frontline, and Durant’s presence tors toward a high-upside, high-variance rotation next season.