Windhorst Says Rockets Could Take 'Major Swing' for Another Star after Durant Trade

The Houston Rockets offseason shopping may not be over.

During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Rockets remain "armed and ready" to add another star if one becomes available ahead of the 2025-26 season.

"I think you're heading into next season looking at the Rockets as a prime contender to the Thunder repeating as champions," Windhorst said. "Most importantly, if a star player becomes available, they are still armed and ready to make a major swing at another star."

Houston went 52-30 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. This was the first time the team had reached the postseason since 2019-20 and it ended in the first round to the Golden State Warriors.

The roster will look much different next season after Sunday's blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns that landed Kevin Durant. The Rockets departed with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second round picks.

The return, however, is a 15-time All-Star, four-time NBA scoring champion and a two-time NBA Finals MVP who could instantly bolster the team's offense. The 36-year-old averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists in 62 games for Phoenix in 2024-25.

He will now look to form a core around Reed Sheppard, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, although adding another dynamic option to the roster could make the team even more of a threat in the West.