After the final buzzer of Game 6 — and the final buzzer of the 2025-26 season for the Rockets — I stood near the locker rooms, waiting for players and coaches to enter one last time.
Positioned between the home and visiting locker rooms at Toyota Center, I watched as both teams passed by simultaneously, their emotions sharply contrasting.
To my right, from the Los Angeles Lakers, I heard firm claps and joyful outbursts. When I looked over, I saw laughter and smiles from a team that had just punched its ticket to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Then I glanced to the left. Heads were down as players walked slowly, exchanging soft high-fives and heavy sighs. Kevin Durant wrapped his arm around Tari Eason as they made their way toward the locker room — a scene that encapsulated not only this game, but the entire series.
The Rockets pushed the boundary of history, becoming just the 16th NBA team to ever force a Game 6 after facing a 3-0 series deficit.
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This wasn’t a spark fueled solely by pride to avoid a sweep. The team genuinely believed it could complete the improbable comeback, even with Durant (left ankle injury) suiting up for only one game out of six. But that belief eventually faded.
In Game 6, the Rockets relapsed into old habits, abandoning what had brought them back into the series. Offensive dysfunction resurfaced, leading to 11 turnovers, including three shot-clock violations that felt like backbreakers.
The Lakers capitalized on Houston’s sluggish closeouts from beyond the arc, with Rui Hachimura leading the way. The veteran forward knocked down a team-high five 3-pointers while finishing with 21 points.
By the fourth quarter, the game was out of reach. The Lakers extended their lead with nearly every possession until the clock hit zero.
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This marks the Rockets’ second consecutive first-round exit, and their first back-to-back early eliminations since 2013 and 2014. It’s another chapter for a young Rockets team still learning how to contend in the postseason.
“Feels like two years in a row in the playoffs we’ve gotten behind the eight ball a little bit, but I’m also proud of them for fighting back down 3-0,” said head coach Ime Udoka, whose Rockets also won a pair of elimination games in the 2025 first round (versus Golden State) before ultimately bowing out at home.
The postseason demands a different level of physicality and intensity, and that’s something young players often need time to adjust to. Many of Houston’s prospects experienced that learning curve last year against the Warriors — and this year, it was Reed Sheppard’s turn. The 21-year-old struggled, averaging 12 points on just 30.7% shooting from the field.
“Every possession matters a little more. Every game definitely matters more,” Sheppard said. “Locking into the game plan and personnel goes up by a hundred. Staying locked in to everything is important.”
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Discussions between Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone about potential offseason roster changes are expected to begin “ASAP,” according to Udoka. A shift in direction may already be underway.
“I think we’ll have some very interesting conversations about having a little bit more of a mix instead of some duplicates out there,” Udoka said after Game 6.
David Hill IV is a sports journalist and senior at Texas Southern University. he covers the Houston Rockets and also a writer for HBCU Legends on Sports Illustrated covering Texas Southern sports.
With 2026 free agency negotiations set to open Tuesday, the landscape of the NBA has already shifted dramatically.
The Miami Heat emerged as winners of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, acquiring the All-NBA forward in a blockbuster trade. The Charlotte Hornets have also been among the most active teams, trading away LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in a pair of deals.
With more fireworks expected this offseason, questions remain about whether the Houston Rockets will join the wave of big trades and signings.
The Rockets have remained absent from most speculation involving star players, outside of minor rumors about interest in Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (which were later dismissed).
But one intriguing name to monitor is Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, amid uncertainty surrounding his availability. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange recently reported that the two-time Finals MVP could possibly seek a trade, with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors — two of his former teams — listed as preferred destinations.
Grange, who correctly linked Houston to a Fred VanVleet signing in 2023, then noted that the Rockets “could also be part of that mix.” Any interest would likely be mutual, since it wouldn’t make sense to pursue Leonard — who is entering the final year of his existing contract in 2026-27 — without feeling confident that he would extend his deal.
The Houston Rockets could be in the mix of trading for Kawhi Leonard, per @michaelgrange
“With reports circulating that the two-time Finals MVP would be open to reuniting with his former teams, San Antonio and Toronto, though the Houston Rockets could also be part of that mix”… pic.twitter.com/uqP7yKyOZX
Leonard, entering his 13th season, remains one of the league’s premier scorers. Now 35 years old, the 6-foot-6 forward averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game last season while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from 3-point range.
Beyond his offensive production, Leonard is still one of the NBA’s best two-way players. He’s won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, a skill set that aligns with head coach Ime Udoka’s defensive philosophy.
What Would Be the Cost for the Rockets?
Ideally, Leonard would have his current contract voided as part of the league’s ongoing Aspiration investigation. With free agency negotiations opening Tuesday, cap space around the league will be occupied within a few days, which would soon put Houston on comparable financial footing relative to other suitors.
Should that not happen, the other option to potentially acquire Leonard would be by trade.
In any deal, VanVleet is one player to monitor. The 32-year-old guard has a player option worth $25 million that he exercised Monday, and speculation has increased following recent social media activity that some fans interpreted as cryptic messaging.
On Thursday, he reposted an X post from over 10 years ago that read, “Bet on yourself.” He then added a “note taking” emoji.
He later posted a more extensive message on Instagram:
“Operating at a higher frequency is uncomfortable, especially at first. But don’t feel bad for apologizing or compromising yourself to accommodate your environment. Stay true to self. The decision to better yourself comes with a cost. Stay down.”
Whether tied to a potential Leonard deal or not, a departure from VanVleet is certainly possible, since he won’t have the implied no-trade clause in 2026-27 that he did in 2025-26.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the Rockets traded up in the second round to select Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, a player whose style shares similarities with VanVleet. With Udoka having expressed reluctance toward roster duplication and rumors swirling regarding the potential acquisition of Lakers guard Marcus Smart, the writing could be on the wall.
From an asset perspective, the Clippers might also seek All-Star center Alperen Şengün in any deal. Sengun’s presence could help Los Angeles fill a frontcourt void after trading away Ivica Zubac at February’s trade deadline. Sengun, who turns 24 in July, would also be in age alignment with 26-year-old guard Darius Garland (who the Clippers traded for in February).
Because Houston would need to trade away a comparable financial number to Leonard’s $50.3 million for salary matching, some combination of larger contracts — such as VanVleet, Sengun ($35.6 million), and Dorian Finney-Smith ($13.3 million expiring) — would need to go out in order for a deal to work under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The bottom line: Just one year after acquiring veteran star Kevin Durant, the Rockets could once again find themselves at the center of another chaotic offseason.
Whether history repeats itself remains to be seen.
After entering the 2026 NBA draft without a first-round pick in one of the deepest classes in recent memory, the Rockets wasted no time making moves in Wednesday’s second round.
Houston traded the No. 39 and No. 53 pselections, along with a 2029 second-round pick via Sacramento, to the defending NBA champion Knicks in exchange for the No. 31 and No. 55 selections. The Rockets then used the No. 31 pick to select Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton.
In his final season with the Buckeyes, Thornton averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 55% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.
Thornton leaves Ohio State as one of the most decorated players in program history. He finished his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,164 points over four seasons and served as a team captain for four consecutive years — a leadership trait frequently highlighted by scouts leading up to the draft.
Thornton adds much-needed perimeter shooting to the Rockets’ roster, as evidenced by his 40% 3-point shooting clip as a senior. He did that on relatively high volume at just under five attempts a game, though he also possesses the ability to create offense off the dribble.
While officially listed at 6-foot-0, Thornton plays with physicality on both ends of the floor and often uses his 223-pound frame and 6-foot-5 wingspan to compensate for his lack of height.
Rockets take 6-0 guard Bruce Thornton out of Ohio State with the 31st pick. 4-year player, turns 23 just before camp. 6-5 wingspan, shot 41.2% from three the past two seasons. Strong dude, can create his own shot and boosts the shooting. He likely replaces Aaron Holiday on the… pic.twitter.com/58SLyMPeTQ
Thornton’s career outline is one that, decades ago, was a routine. Today, however, it is a relative anomaly to play all four collegiate seasons at one university.
A 22-year-old entering the draft can be viewed as a negative to some NBA general managers, who might covet more youth and perceived upside. But for a Rockets team ready to compete for a championship now, Thornton’s experience may be an ideal addition to the roster.
Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State coach, showed clear respect to Thornton after watching the Ohio State guard score 32 points during a Big Ten matchup in February.
“I said to him before the game, it’s been a privilege to have him in our league,” Izzo said. “He’s handled himself well, he stayed in the same place, he’s been an unbelievable performer. He’s got class. I’m a big Bruce Thornton fan.”
Most second-round picks are not expected to become immediate rotational players in the NBA. But depending on Houston’s free-agent moves, Thornton could have a path to playing time with the 2026-27 Rockets.
As currently constructed, Thornton could compete with Aaron Holiday (a pending free agent) for minutes as the team’s third point guard behind Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard.
There's a lot to like here with Bruce Thornton. He's built very similarly to a Kyle Lowry.
Lowry was 6'0.25" barefoot, 195 pounds and a 6'4" wingspan.
Thornton is 6'0" barefoot, 223 pounds and a 6'5" wingspan.
The Houston Rockets are unveiling a bold new look for the franchise, one which honors the past while attempting to push Rockets basketball into an exciting next chapter.
“Rooted in the energy, pride, and championship spirit of Houston, the new brand identity brings back the iconic ketchup-and-mustard color palette that helped define Rockets basketball for decades,” the team writes in its press release.
Yet, along with the ketchup-and-mustard scheme is a modern collection of logos, uniforms, and apparel designed for the future.
“We heard our fans,” said Patrick Fertitta, vice chairman of the Houston Rockets and Comets. “Ketchup and mustard is back! From the time my family bought the team in 2017, we’ve heard from countless fans about how deeply those colors are tied to their memories. We wanted to create something that celebrates the generations of fans who built Rockets basketball while inspiring the next generation of fans.”
Red returns as the heartbeat of the franchise, according to the team, while “championship yellow” is an effort to reconnect past greatness to the future ahead.
The “R” logo remains at the center of the new look and reinforces the organization’s core identity. Meanwhile, the reimagined “Dunkstronaut” blends nostalgia with innovation and further connects the franchise to the spirit of “Space City.” The new global logo draws inspiration from NASA mission patches, with two quasars symbolizing the franchise’s journey from San Diego to Houston.
Houston’s Icon (red) and Association (white) uniforms for the 2026-27 season reimagine the franchise’s visual identity while honoring the eras that shaped Rockets basketball. The Icon Edition features “Rockets” across the chest, while the Association Edition showcases “Houston” as a tribute to the city.
Both uniforms are accented with broken tonal pinstripes inspired by the team’s look from the mid-1990s and early 2000s. Custom typography derived from the championship-era wordmarks, including the return of the signature lowercase “t” and a distinctive slanted presentation, completes a uniform system rooted in legacy and built for the future, according to the team.
The Statement jersey embraces Houston’s “Space City” identity and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Its black base symbolizes the vastness of space, while a quasar-inspired pinstripe reflects the team’s speed, force, and intensity.
Along the side panels, rockets rise seamlessly from the shorts into the jersey, thereby creating a continuous visual expression of momentum and acceleration. On the jersey’s back middle portion, a red commander’s stripe draws inspiration from NASA mission leadership identifiers.
Each jersey includes a “Clutch City” jock tag framed by two quasars. The shorts prominently feature the “R” logo, while the Dunkstronaut logo appears on the waistband.
Fans can purchase the new apparel at RocketsShop.com and sign up for a mailing list to be notified when jerseys are available for purchase.
To celebrate the launch, the Rockets are hosting a special retail pop-up event at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. The pop-up event will take place outside of Hall D on Friday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
The first 100 fans that spend $100 or more will receive a free T-shirt. Former Rockets Rudy Tomjanovich (noon-1 p.m.), Steve Francis (2-3 p.m.), and Vernon Maxwell (4-5 p.m.) will each hold a signing session. Fans can also enjoy a live DJ alongside an interactive photo booth, games, and complimentary food and beverage samplings.
Among numerous decisions the Houston Rockets will face this summer, Tari Eason’s potential stint in restricted free agency looms as a vital one.
Last offseason, the Rockets initiated extension talks with Eason in hopes of reaching agreement on a long-term deal. But that hope apparently dwindled after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Eason declined a deal in excess of $100 million.
No further information on the length or amount guaranteed was detailed, but the verdict forced Eason to play out the 2025-26 season on an expiring contract. The contributions of his athleticism, shooting, and defense are highly valued and recognized by head coach Ime Udoka.
“He’s just a playmaker and disrupter,” Udoka said of Eason’s impact after a victorious Game 4 of Houston’s first-round playoff series against the Lakers. “Some of the natural instincts and things he does you can’t teach, you want guys to be sold and follow the game plan and all that, but some guys do what they do.”
“You’re going to get burned every now and then, but more often than not, he’ll make the right play, get a deflection or steal. Tari being Tari, you’ve got to let him do what he does.”
Enjoyed this from Ime Udoka on “Tari being Tari.” Called him a playmaker and disruptor. More from Udoka on benefit of Eason, “going rogue.”
“Half the stuff is outside of the gameplan, he just kind of goes rogue at times, but you try to turn a blind eye to it a little bit, he's… pic.twitter.com/KwWECSMhAf
Though the initial attempt at an extension fell through, the Rockets and Eason will have another exclusive negotiating window once the 2026 NBA Finals conclude. Should that pass without a deal, Eason would enter restricted free agency, which gives the Rockets the chance to match any offer from outside teams.
Teams can begin negotiating offer sheets once the 2026-27 league year begins on June 30, and should Eason sign an agreement with another team, Houston would have a brief period (48 hours once the moratorium lifts on July 6) with an opportunity to match. With both sides sharing interest in an extension, that might limit Eason’s outside offers, since other teams might not want to waste time.
Any external team attempting to sign Eason would have a “cap hold” that immediately places the salary figure used in the offer on hold, thereby limiting their resources to recruit other free agents during that period.
From Eason’s perspective, his choice to decline an extension last offseason placed added pressure on his play in the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-8 forward fnished the season averaging 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point range. While his defense continued to excel, his shooting was inconsistent, as evidenced by making only 21.8% of his 3-pointers after the All-Star break. Inside the arc, his 41.6% clip was a career low.
Another concern with Eason, 25, is his health. The 60 games he appeared in this season were the most since his rookie campaign, when he played in all 82 games.
Evaluations of Eason seem likely to focus on the season’s final two months, with a goal of deciphering whether that stretch was simply a normal slump or an indictment on his game.
With his free agency approaching, Eason has expressed a desire to remain with the Rockets.
“It’s tough to say I didn’t think about it, you definitely think about it,” Eason said after the first-round series loss to Los Angeles. “I was drafted here, I’ve grown up here, my family is here, I love Houston. As far as everything else, God knows.”
Rockets forward Tari Eason was asked about free agency: “It’s tough to say I didn’t think about it. You definitely think about it. I was drafted here. I’ve grown up here. My family is here. I love Houston. As far as everything else, God knows.” #Rockets#Sarge@TheRocketsWirepic.twitter.com/jATvwZ8NIb
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) May 2, 2026
While general manager Rafael Stone did not comment during exit interviews on potential extensions for Eason and Amen Thompson, he did say that he “fully expects they will be with us for the foreseeable future.” Entering June, reports have yet to link Eason to rival suitors, but that could change swiftly.
It will be intriguing to monitor if, in fact, the $100-million mark — even if not fully guaranteed — is still on the table following a year in which Eason’s play declined in a few areas.
With Fred VanVleet expected to make a healthy return, Eason projects to be a key reserve on the 2026-27 Rockets. As things stand, Houston’s current starters appear likely to be VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, with Eason, Reed Sheppard, and Steven Adams in line for prominent reserve roles.
As of now, the Houston Rockets do not own a first-round pick in the much anticipated 2026 NBA Draft. That asset was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the ill-fated 2019 trade involving Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
If Houston decides against pursuing a veteran star this offseason — such as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo — the draft could play an important role for general manager Rafael Stone in identifying players who might address areas where improvement is needed.
And given the extremely deep talent pool, according to draft experts, moving up should at least be a consideration for the Rockets.
One asset that could help Houston climb the 2026 draft board is its collection of future picks, including unprotected first-round assets in 2027 from the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets (swap right). Both teams have uncertain-at-best outlooks for next season, which could make those potential lottery selections.
While landing a very high pick in 2027 or later could be quite valuable, there is also a path where using a future asset to trade up in this year’s draft might make sense.
New Draft Rules
With strategic tanking continuing to be a league-wide discussion and teams increasingly penalized for obvious attempts to lose games, the NBA appears poised to make additional adjustments to its lottery structure.
The proposed “3-2-1 system” would distribute lottery odds differently and reduce the advantages currently held by the league’s worst teams (by record).
For example, Brooklyn finished with the league’s third-worst record this season, and that guaranteed a selection at No. 6 or higher in the first round. But under a system designed to flatten lottery odds, possessing a similar record would no longer guarantee a premium pick.
Many league executives believe this year’s draft class has the potential to become one of the strongest in recent years. Next year’s class, however, may not carry the same expectations. With the depth available in 2026, first-round selections are perhaps much more valuable.
Who Might Houston Target?
Floor spacing, ball handling, and defense were among the traits Stone emphasized when discussing the types of players that Houston could target. Based on those priorities and the current identity of Houston’s roster, a few prospects stand out.
These players are generally viewed as mid-to-late selections in the first round, which could make a pick in that range more attainable by trade. For example, the Thunder and San Antonio Spurs own the No. 17 and No. 20 picks, yet both teams may not have available playing time to develop a 2026-27 rookie.
That could incentivize one or both teams to trade that pick elsewhere for a future asset. With that in mind, here are three potential options in that range.
Cameron Carr, Baylor
If the Rockets want to take a major swing, Cameron Carr could be an ideal fit. At 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-plus wingspan, Carr averaged 18.9 points per game during his lone season at Baylor while shooting nearly 49% from the field and 37% on 3-pointers.
Along with his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim, Carr’s biggest value for the Rockets would be his shooting, particularly from long range. In Baylor’s game against the University of Houston that I attended, Carr notably knocked down multiple shots from well beyond 30 feet, and none came as desperation attempts late in the shot clock.
His shot creation and playmaking do not immediately stand out as elite traits, but they are more than sufficient for what the Rockets currently need.
Isaiah Evans, Duke
Unlike Carr, Isaiah Evans specializes more as a shot creator.
The 6-foot-6 Duke guard made significant strides during his sophomore season — in which he more than doubled his scoring average — after having taken a secondary role behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel as a freshman.
Evans’ 47% mark on pull-up jumpers stands out as an area Houston could benefit from. The Rockets need players capable of creating offense independently, rather than relying on teammates to generate those opportunities.
Fred VanVleet’s absence exposed some of those weaknesses, as Houston’s offense became heavily dependent on Kevin Durant — one of the few players on the roster capable of consistently creating his own shot.
From a Rockets perspective, Evans could fit naturally into that system and provide another perimeter threat alongside Durant and VanVleet.
Dailyn Swain, Texas
Dailyn Swain may be the most intriguing prospect among the group.
Although his 3-point shooting was a modest 34% last season, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward is extremely difficult to stop once attacking the basket. He already projects as a three-level scorer, as he possesses guard-like ball-handling ability and thrives in one-on-one situations.
His outside shooting percentages are not particularly concerning because of the steady progression he has shown throughout his career. After going 15% as a freshman, Swain bumped that to 25% as a sophomore and 34% as a junior.
That progression suggests a player committed to improving weaknesses, something not every young prospect embraces. With Stone repeatedly emphasizing “internal growth” as a major offseason priority, that type of work ethic would likely be highly valued by the Rockets.
Among the players listed, Swain may possess the highest long-term upside because of his physical tools and developmental potential.
When to Watch
The 2026 NBA Draft will take place over two days, June 23-24, in Brooklyn, New York. As things stand, the Rockets own picks at No. 39 and No. 53, overall, in Wednesday’s second round.
Each round will take place on its own day, with broadcast details and other logistics information available at NBA.com.
This is exactly what I do if I am the #Rockets. Keep drafting and developing. Don't fast track. Take a strategic step back. Trade for more draft picks and develop for the long haul. https://t.co/7a25EosVzd
