But just weeks later, the Rockets rocked the NBA by landing future Hall of Fame forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. They also added veteran 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith and veteran center Clint Capela, and many feel they have a real shot at winning it all.

In the deal, the Phoenix Suns dealt Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets; as part of the seven-team trade, the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Daeqwon Plowden (who has since been waived), three rookies (Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea), and two second-round draft picks in 2026 and 2032.