The Houston Rockets' 2025–26 season ended with a major disappointment, with another first-round exit. The big move to trade for Kevin Durant last offseason has been a flop, as the team has fallen from the 2nd-seed in the West in 2024-25 to the 5th-seed this season.
We kept hearing that Durant wasn't fitting in with his new Rockets teammates. And between their burner-account controversy, in which Durant was thought to be criticizing his fellow Rockets on Twitter/X, and his inability to connect with the team, it was a disaster.
So the question now is, will the Rockets double down on Durant and try to bring in another disgruntled superstar to pair with him?
If that's the case, The Athletic's senior NBA analyst Sam Veseni has suggested the outlines of a blockbuster deal the Rockets should consider. This would bring in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but would include removing Alpern Sengun:
houston rockets receive: :
get the milwaukee bucks: :
- alperen sengun
- reed shepard
- first round pick
"Given the fit of Sengun and Amen (Thompson), given his complete lack of shooting, I would call for Milwaukee to see if Sengun could be the centerpiece in a Giannis deal," Veseni said.
He completed his hypothetical offer with the thought that the Bucks would have another young Rockets star.
"If I'm Milwaukee, I'm asking for amen, but if I'm Houston I don't want to do that."
Will the Rockets pursue another superstar this summer?
Veseni isn't the only expert considering a big move for the Rockets this summer. Sam Amick at The Athletic also wondered what Houston's path forward would look like after another playoff miss this season.
They'll have to decide whether to double down on the roster with obvious concerns or perhaps go all-in — once again — while chasing another superstar this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard or Donovan Mitchell might be up for grabs.
Whether it's Giannis, Kawhi or Spida, expect to hear from the Rockets involving some intriguing trade rumors this offseason.
