HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in this month’s draft, and five second-round picks. The blockbuster trade ended arguably the most high-profile saga of the 2024–25 season — and it happened on the very last day. With Durant, one of the top-15 players of all time, joining Houston, the most logical next question becomes: how does the team fit together? Well, sources are reporting that the team could insert a former darling into the starting lineup.
Sources: Overlooked Rocket Makes Return to Starting Five
Rafael Stone’s Masterstroke
First things first: take a bow, Rafael Stone. When he became general manager in the 2020–21 season, the Rockets faced chaos. Their championship window had slammed shut after a bubble playoff loss to the Lakers. Russell Westbrook didn’t fit the roster, and James Harden was trying to force his way to Brooklyn.
Five years later, Stone has repositioned the Rockets as contenders in the West. They’ve kept most of their young talent and still hold a trove of draft picks. Now, they’ve added a future Hall of Famer who just completed his third straight season averaging at least 25 points, 50% from the field, and 40% from deep — the longest such streak in NBA history, per ESPN Research.
Houston gave up a high-volume, low-efficiency guard, a solid 3-and-D veteran, and a lottery pick. It feels like they landed Durant for 80 cents on the dollar. Age and injury risks surrounding the 36-year-old Durant lowered his market, and his past struggles with team chemistry didn’t help. But the Rockets pulled it off.
Sorting Out the Starting Five
The Rockets have their man, but now they must sort out the starting lineup. Many in NBA circles pushed for this all-in move, believing Houston had too many rotation-level players.
Team sources say early signs point to Jabari Smith Jr. returning to the starting five per Kelly Iko of the Athletic. Amen Thompson, who replaced Smith last season after a hand injury, will likely take Green’s vacated spot. That gives the Rockets elite length at four positions and strengthens head coach Ime Udoka’s defensive toolbox.
VanVleet Likely to Stay
Momentum continues to build for Fred VanVleet to return — either by the team picking up his $44.8 team option or agreeing to a longer, more team-friendly deal. VanVleet led the Rockets with 5.6 assists per game last season and helped pull the franchise out of the Western Conference basement. He has thrived playing alongside Houston’s young stars.
Thompson and Smith Fit the Vision
Thompson has earned his spot as a starter after taking over midway through his sophomore season. His athleticism complements Durant’s experience, especially on defense. On offense, he can cut, run in transition, and capitalize on Durant’s gravitational pull.
As Thompson matures as a playmaker, he will share point guard duties with VanVleet. Meanwhile, Smith offers the shooting this core needs. If he continues to grow as a floor spacer, he could be the final piece to the Rockets’ starting five. His development slowed this season following his hand injury. His development slowed this season following a hand injury. Then Thompson’s emergence made him a forgotten man. Now, he gets a second lease on life with the Rockets.
What Comes Next
The Rockets now pair a generational scorer with a roster that’s deep, young, and defensively imposing. How far they go may depend on their chemistry and health. But for now, with Durant in the fold, they’ve firmly entered win-now territory — and done so without mortgaging the future.
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