The Houston Rockets raised expectations by trading for Kevin Durant after last season’s gradual progress, but replacing the toughness once provided by Dillon Brooks has been harder than anticipated, according to William Guillory of The Athletic.
Guillory notes Houston started 16-6 before struggling to match last year’s physicality, frustrating head coach Ime Udoka.
The Durant trade also reduced roster depth, costing two players and a top-10 pick that became Khaman Maluach, while Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury further complicated matters.
Despite those issues, Durant has performed at a high level, and Guillory describes the move as a calculated risk to secure a true go-to scorer.
Houston may look to add depth at the trade deadline, though a major move for a starting point guard is unlikely.
Guillory believes both the Rockets and the Phoenix Suns benefited from the deal, but gives Phoenix a slight edge, as the Suns have exceeded expectations and sit just one game behind Houston in the standings.
Both teams benefitted from last summer's Kevin Durant trade, plus more on the Rockets. https://t.co/Ow0oFnFW9H
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 26, 2026
