The Suns head into 2025-26 still seeking a true lead guard after Tyus Jones left for Orlando, pushing Devin Booker to anchor a multi-guard attack with Jalen Green if he starts at point. With Durant and Beal moved on, Phoenix bets its offense on Booker’s playmaking, Green’s growth, and Collin Gillespie stepping up as a reliable secondary ballhandler. New coach Jordan Ott must weave a flexible system around a roster that features combo guards like Goodwin and Butler while keeping a center-centered floor for offense to flourish without a traditional facilitator.

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.

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.

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.