HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets’ acquisition of Kevin Durant headlined the offseason, but beat reporter Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle notes that keeping Fred VanVleet and extending Steven Adams on team-friendly contracts could be just as critical. Both veterans are regarded as key locker-room voices and were among the club’s most effective performers in last spring’s playoff series against Golden State.
Houston finished last season with 52 wins, and Lerner projects the 2025/26 squad could reach the mid-50s. The franchise, however, has not advanced past the first round since 2020, making postseason success the primary benchmark.
Division Outlooks
Lerner also canvassed other Southwest Division writers:
- Grizzlies: Michael Wallace of Grind City Media believes Memphis can contend for a top-six seed in the Western Conference after dealing Desmond Bane.
- Pelicans: Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com expects New Orleans to outperform projections that placed the team 14th in the West.
- Mavericks: Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com forecasts a 48-34 record and a playoff berth for Dallas.
Washington Extension Scrutinized
P.J. Washington’s new four-year, $89 million extension with the Mavericks appears favorable on paper, but Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron questions the fit. Gozlan cites an already crowded frontcourt and the club’s escalating payroll as potential pitfalls.
G League Move
The Memphis Hustle acquired the returning-player rights to guard Evan Gilyard from Raptors 905 in exchange for a 2025 NBA G League first-round pick. Gilyard averaged 12.3 points and 5.4 assists for Toronto’s affiliate last season and is a candidate for an Exhibit 10 contract with the Grizzlies, which would pay above the standard G League salary.
Source: Hoops Rumors
