Former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant was just traded to the Houston Rockets, finally ending a saga that was becoming a circus. The deal sent Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick, and five second-round picks.
All things considered, that was a surprisingly great trade for the Rockets. After all, they solved their biggest flaw, which was a lack of shooting, which cost them in the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors.
They also got rid of Green, whose contract was a clear overpay considering his wildly inconsistent performance. While they did have to part with the 10th pick and 5 second rounders, that lottery pick was actually Phoenix's. That means that they essentially traded Phoenix back their pick to land Durant.
Still, they will have to shore up their roster to maximize the addition of Durant, and the first two moves couldn't be clearer.
The Rockets must re-sign Fred VanVleet and Kevin Durant
Rocket starting point guard Fred VanVleet was originally seen as a trade candidate considering his $45 million expiring contract. Fortunately, they didn't have to trade him and can now work toward re-signing him.
This would be pretty significant if it winds up being true. Houston has Jabari Smith and Tari Eason extension-eligible this summer. They'd love to keep both. I sort of assumed one was gone with a Durant max. If he takes less, hopefully they can keep both. https://t.co/3DwpiJg9qM
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 23, 2025
According to CBS Sports' Sam Quinn, they could re-sign him to a 3-year deal worth up to $90 million, so long as the first year of his new contract doesn't exceed $31 million. That would allow the Rockets to duck below the luxury tax and keep their starting point guard on a relatively affordable deal.
Not only that, but Durant could take a pay cut on a contract extension, which would take effect beginning in the 2026-27 season. Locking both Van Vleet and Durant up wouldn't necessarily handcuff the Rockets, who still have a treasure trove of picks as well as young talent.
It would also help those aforementioned young players who can learn from two players with 10-plus years of experience and who have both won a championship. After winning 54 games last season and not giving up much to land Durant, they should absolutely be better next season, potentially putting them in title contention.
While they would have to go up against the reigning champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder, having Durant gives them a go-to scorer that could carry them. That's not to mention the rapidly developing Alperin Sengun, who has a chance to be one of the best centers in the NBA.
Ultimately, the Rockets must re-sign Van Vleet and Durant first. That would ensure that they keep their two veterans for the foreseeable future.