Pre-Draft Outlook
A year ago, the Rockets shook up their roster in the offseason, including the marquee move of adding Kevin Durant in exchange for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. However, the blockbuster trade yielded the exact same result — a 52-win regular season and a first-round playoff exit. Houston enters this offseason with the majority of its rotation players under contract. They also anticipate the return of Fred VanVleet, who suffered an ACL tear last offseason, assuming he picks up his player option. What the Rockets do not have is a first-round selection in this year’s draft.
The Way to Go
The Rockets enter the 2026 Draft with a pair of second-round picks — Nos. 39 and 53 overall — giving them two chances to find a perimeter shooter who can help balance Houston’s offensive output. Houston ranked 25th in 3-pointers made during the regular season (11.5 per game) and last out of 16 teams in 3-point percentage in the playoffs (30.2%).
— Brian Martin
Under Contract
G: Reed Sheppard
G/F: Amen Thompson
F: Kevin Durant
F: Dorian Finney-Smith
F: Jabari Smith Jr.
C: Steven Adams
C: Clint Capela
C: Alperen Sengun
Free agents
G: Aaron Holiday
G: JD Davison
G: Tristen Newton
G: Josh Okogie
G: Fred VanVleet
F: Tari Eason
F: Jeff Green
F: Isaiah Crawford
F: Jae’Sean Tate