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May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) sit on the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets added Marcus Smart and return a healthier roster for 2026-27. On SI Rockets writers predict the team's best closing lineup for clutch situations.

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The Houston Rockets added Marcus Smart and return a healthier roster for 2026-27. On SI Rockets writers predict the team's best closing lineup for clutch situations.

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Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Magic Johnson at unveiling of statue of former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson believes a returning player will provide a significant boost to the Houston Rockets.

May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the New York Knicks during the second quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Free Agency

With James Harden shifting his offensive approach, the Houston Rockets still have a chance to make a bold move this summer.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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Houston has the depth and talent to compete for a top-four seed, but finishing fifth in the loaded Western Conference remains the most realistic expectation.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Features

As the Houston Rockets aim for an NBA championship, pressure builds for its players to continue improving, including Tari Eason

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) greets Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) following game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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Following LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, Kevin Durant came to the 41-year-old's defense.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) greets Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) following game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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According to Rich Paul, a playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets was a serious factor in LeBron James' free agency decision.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

News

Another star goes to the NBA's East, as the West has thinned out some and cleared more of a playoff path

Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Free Agency

There are still several high-profile names remaining on the NBA free agent market, and one used to be a teammate of Rockets star Kevin Durant

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Draft Coverage

The Houston Rockets traded up to get the player they coveted in Round 2, drafting Ohio State's Bruce Thornton with pick No. 31. He didn't disappoint at the Las Vegas Summer League and is one of a handful of second-rounders poised to contribute immediately

Mar 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Features

Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson speaks on the comparison to Victor Wembanyama.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) shoots outside against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Features

The rising two-way star has earned a massive payday, but a deal below the maximum could benefit both Amen Thompson and the Rockets.

Jan 29, 2019; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Derrick White (right) warms up with assistant coach Chip Engelland prior to a game against the Phoenix Suns at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

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The Houston Rockets have hired veteran shooting coach Chip Engelland as an assistant on Ime Udoka's staff. Engelland brings more than two decades of NBA coaching experience after stints with the Spurs and Thunder.

Free Agency

LeBron James is expected to join a new team for the 2026-2027 season, and while Houston is not a favorite, it has some characteristics that make sense.

Nov 1, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) defends Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

News

The Houston Rockets continue to miss major trade targets, and it will likely cost them in the NBA's Western Conference.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Features

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was among the top picks in the 2022 NBA Draft but has yet to experience much success. Entering his fifth season, he's got an opportunity to turn the corner after a strong postseason, making a run at Most Improved.

June 25, 2018; Santa Monica, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo poses for photos with his most improved player award during the NBA Award Show at Barker Hanger. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Features

Victor Oladipo, the one-time Houston guard who is trying to get back in the NBA, has taken an interesting approach

Apr 12, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Tristen Newton (00) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

The Houston Rockets have landed among the Las Vegas Summer League final four, which is made up of exclusively of Western Conference teams. Second-round pick Bruce Thornton has excelled and will look to lead an upset of the Grizzlies, led by Cameron Boozer

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka with forward Kevin Durant (7) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

The Houston Rockets are one of a handful of teams running it back with the same core that fell short in the playoffs the season prior, so GM Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka are banking on patience and improvement being key to their long-term vision.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court during the final minutes of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Features

Kevin Durant transformed the Houston Rockets in his first season, helping the team win 52 games before a playoff injury cut his postseason short. Despite the disappointing finish, the trade with the Phoenix Suns already looks like a clear win for Houston.

Oct 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Van Vleet (5) dribbles against Miami Heat guard R.J. Hampton (4) in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Features

Houston can maximize Reed Sheppard's shooting and basketball IQ off the bench, while also utilizing him alongside Fred VanVleet in the right lineups.

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) defends during the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

The Houston Rockets have been rumored to be discussing moving Kevin Durant or Alperen Sengun, but if they stay put, their biggest summer move will be the signing of former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. If he pans out, he could play many roles

Fred VanVleet meets with the media about his various sports-related charity events on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Joe Buckets Basketball Training center in Winnebago.

RFD0618 Fred Vanvleet

News

Fred VanVleet is reportedly on track to start for the Houston Rockets when the 2026-27 season begins, giving Ime Udoka a healthy veteran point guard to lead a deep roster.

Jan 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) on the court during the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Features

The 23-year-old continues to improve every season and has quickly become one of the NBA's best young two-way players, making him nearly untouchable in trade talks.

News

The Houston Rockets saw veteran forward Kevin Durant excel in his first season with the team, but the conclusion was rocky, controversy arose and things didn't go smoothly enough that it's not worth wondering whether they should continue the experiment.