The Rockets got high marks. Are they high enough?
With a rush of free agency transactions already behind us, the 2025 NBA offseason is well underway, and teams are still working out any lingering agreements as the summer draws to a close.
Some teams are getting used to their new superstars as the 2025–26 NBA season approaches. In particular, in June, the Phoenix Suns traded 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. The veteran forward is expected to provide the Rockets with the boost they need to become a serious contender the following season.
ESPN put out free agency power rankings on July 30, ranking each NBA team’s offseason. The Houston Rockets came in second place just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, jumping three spots from the prior ranking of fifth place.
Notable acquisitions include JD Davison (free agency), Dorian Finney-Smith (free agency), Kevin Durant (trade), and Clint Capela (free agency).
Notable departures include Cam Whitmore, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks (by trade).
After losing in the first round of the playoffs, Houston quickly addressed its offensive needs by adding 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant and strengthening its perimeter defense and depth with Dorian Finney-Smith. Fred VanVleet and a youthful, hungry group of up-and-coming talent, such as Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, are joined by those seasoned veterans. The sharpshooter Reed Sheppard, who showed Houston he is prepared for a bigger role during summer league despite inconsistencies, is another player the Rockets are counting on to improve, particularly on defense. The depth of the frontcourt will also be a devious advantage.
Honestly, I don’t have many gripes with the evaluation of Houston’s offseason; however, I feel that it should be higher than the Thunder’s. All the Thunder did was bring back the same roster as last season, whereas Houston made numerous additions to their roster to improve. The only real argument for having the Thunder’s offseason over Houston’s is that they extended their young core, and that they are elevated in the rankings because they are coming off an NBA championship.
What do you all think? Should the Houston Rockets be higher or lower on this list?