The Houston Rockets have taken a massive step forward by acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, but league insiders believe they may not be finished yet.
While the trade for Durant is already reshaping the Western Conference, the Rockets’ front office appears to be preparing for the possibility of an even bigger splash.
Houston gave up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to land Durant.
However, the team held onto key players like Tari Eason and rookie Reed Sheppard, preserving both depth and flexibility.
For a deal of this magnitude, the Rockets managed to avoid gutting their roster, which has left analysts impressed.
On his podcast, NBA analyst Bill Simmons praised the move and suggested Houston is still in a position to chase another star.
“I just loved it for them. They didn’t give up Jabari Smith Jr. … That’s a miracle,” Simmons said.
“They kept their flexibility for one more trade if they want to do it. I don’t know whether that trade happens in the summer or in the December, January, February range.”
Rockets could pursue Giannis if Bucks stumble
The possibility of adding Giannis Antetokounmpo has been floated for some time, but the Rockets may now be among the few teams with the assets and motivation to make it happen if the Bucks struggle next season.
Simmons pointed out that if Milwaukee falters and Giannis becomes unhappy, Houston would be in a strong position to make a serious offer.
Houston’s ability to maintain cap space and retain young talent puts them in rare territory. They could offer Milwaukee a competitive package without dismantling their core.
This flexibility has created buzz around the idea of pairing Durant with Giannis, a combination that would immediately place the Rockets among the favorites in the NBA.
Giannis added fuel to the speculation when he posted a short message on X shortly after the Durant trade was announced.
“Oh oh,” he wrote, prompting fans to urge him to leave Milwaukee and join the new-look Rockets. While Giannis has publicly expressed loyalty to the Bucks, the team has struggled in recent seasons.
With Damian Lillard sidelined and internal questions mounting, it is not clear how long Giannis will remain content in Milwaukee.
The situation is being monitored closely by teams around the league, and Houston is clearly one of them. Another potential move could involve Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, who may become available depending on Boston’s direction.
With Jalen Green gone, Houston has a vacancy at shooting guard and could look to fill it with another high-impact player. Adding Durant already addressed Houston’s need for elite scoring in tight games.
But if the Rockets are able to add another superstar, they would instantly become a powerhouse in the West. Whether that player is Giannis, Brown, or someone else, the Rockets are ready.
The message is clear. Houston is no longer content with being a young, developing team. They are positioning themselves to win, and they are doing it fast.
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