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Rockets are crazy during the offseason! 12 magical operations to win the championship, and the western landscape changes dramatically

2:33am, 4 July 2025Basketball

When the free market door opened, the Rockets swept the league with a thunderous momentum again. With 12 full-scoring operations in just half a month, from the comprehensive upgrade of the coach to the player lineup, this former rebuilding team has officially shown its fangs.

1. Core structure: Superstars' lineup and depth guarantee

The Rockets' most shocking move this summer is undoubtedly the shocking league transaction: sending Jaylen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the first round of this year and multiple second round picks, and exchanging Kevin Durant from the Suns. The arrival of KD instantly raised the Rockets' offensive ceiling to the championship level. What is even more amazing is the determination to win the championship by Durant and Van Vreet - Van Jordan chose to cut his salary significantly and renew his contract with a friendly price of 50 million for two years; Durant is expected to complete the contract renewal as soon as possible, and the financial concessions of the two core members pave the way for the Rockets to strengthen the subsequent strengthening. The head coach also received a long-term commitment. With his strict coaching ability, Uduka has obtained a generous long-term contract with an annual salary of eight figures. His defensive system and iron-blooded style will continue to shape the Rockets' team culture.

2. Lineup upgrade: A comprehensive leap in depth and thickness

Rockets' reinforcement strategy is clear and efficient, pointing to the shortcomings of last season:

Inside: 39 million contract renewal Adams for 3 years, 21.5 million signing back Capela in 3 years, 3 years, 3 people rotation with Shin Kyung made the Rockets' penalty area defense, rebound protection and cake-eating ability to stand out in the West.

Frontline: The contract renewal of Jabbarri Smith Jr. in advance for 5 years of 122 million yuan demonstrates the team's firm confidence in his growth into an all-round offense and defense star. In addition, after losing Dillon, the Rockets signed Finney Smith for 4 years and 53 million. Last season, his three-point shooting percentage was as high as 41.1%, and he was an elite outside defender. DFS perfectly fills the vacancy, and the contract is extremely cost-effective.

Key rotations retained: 3 million yuan in a year and 3 million yuan in a year, 1 year's final salary and 1 year's re-signed Jeff Green and Holiday. Their experience, defensive toughness and locker room value are irreplaceable.

3. Fine budgeting: a perfect interpretation of the art of salary

Van Vreet and Durant's active salary cuts are the lifeline for the Rockets to complete so many high-quality operations. He signed Finney Smith at a price lower than the full middle class, brought back Capela and Adams with a very cost-effective contract, and retained Tate, Holiday, Jeff Green and other powerful players with a basic salary.

The Rockets' total salary is about US$194.5 million, approaching the first tycoon line. The management holds subsequent chips: they can cut center Jock Landare, or actively seek to package Landare and Whitmore, and trade for a powerful rotation player with an annual salary of about $15 million or more to further upgrade the depth of the backcourt or wing.

4. Ultimate lineup: a perfect fusion of talent and experience

The Rockets' core framework for the new season is already clear:

Backcourt: Van Vreet, Amen Thompson, Holiday

Frontcourt: Durant, Smith Jr., DFS, Ethan, Tate, Jeff Green

Insidecourt: Shinkyung, Adams, Capela

This lineup has distinctive characteristics: strong inside reserves and complementary styles; sufficient frontcourt size, excellent athletic ability, both shooting and defense; backcourt experience and potential coexist.

5. Challenge and prospect: Western Conference Final? Or higher?

The Rockets already have the book strength to reach the Western Conference Finals and even the Finals. The core question is: How to adapt a luxurious lineup from

Uduka to transform talent into joint force on the field. The health of core health such as Durant and Adams is crucial. In addition, can young players Shin Kyung, Smith Jr., Ethan, and Amen Thompson continue to make progress and share the pressure on the giants.

It is certain that this wave of operations of the Rockets has completely reshaped the western pattern. With its top talent and rotation depth of 10-12 people, it has become the most terrifying "super dark horse" in the West. This rocket, which is both familiar and unfamiliar, has a clear goal - aiming at the championship.

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