Superstars, Shakeups, and Sengün: The Rockets Defining Year
The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be the most pivotal in recent memory for the Houston Rockets. With Kevin Durant already on the roster, rumors of a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo swirling, and Alperen Sengün suddenly finding his name mentioned in proposals, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. Add in the departure of rising assistant Mike Moser, and the Rockets face a defining moment. So the question is, do they continue chasing superstars at all costs, or protect their young core and the chemistry that has fueled their resurgence?
Durant’s arrival this offseason immediately signaled that Houston is in win-now mode. For years, the Rockets built patiently through the draft and smart trades, but adding a future Hall of Famer shifts everything. It tells the league, agents, and fans that the Rockets are no longer content with being a scrappy rebuild story—they want to contend for the 2025 NBA Finals. Durant’s presence not only elevates Houston’s ceiling but also changes the expectations. Anything less than a deep playoff run will now feel like a failure, which adds urgency to every move the front office considers.
The ultimate swing would be trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former MVP and NBA champion is one of the few players in the league who can tilt the title odds single-handedly. Yet the cost of acquiring him looms large. Reports suggest that Sengün, the Rockets’ 22-year-old cornerstone, could be the centerpiece of any offer. For Houston, that creates a massive dilemma. While pairing Durant with Antetokounmpo is the kind of dream scenario that electrifies fans and terrifies opponents, it also risks sacrificing the identity the Rockets have built. Can the Rockets make the playoffs with or without Sengün remains a pressing question as trade chatter heats up.
Losing Sengün would not just hurt on the floor—it would reshape the culture. In many ways, Sengün embodies the Rockets’ chemistry, joy, and unselfishness. Trading him would represent a gamble that the instant star power of Antetokounmpo outweighs the long-term potential of a homegrown cornerstone. As recent history has shown, mortgaging the future for short-term glory can either catapult a franchise to championships or leave it scrambling in regret.
Amid all this star-driven noise, Houston is also navigating internal changes. Assistant coach Mike Moser’s exit for a new opportunity may not grab headlines like a trade rumor, but his departure raises real questions about continuity and player development. With Ime Udoka recently signing an extension, the Rockets believe in their head coach’s vision. Still, every coaching change affects the ecosystem, especially when the team is balancing superstar integration with the growth of young players. Stability could be the difference between maximizing Durant’s window or watching it slip away.
The NBA’s perception of Houston is already shifting. Opposing teams, league insiders, and even Kevin Durant’s business partner, Rich Kleiman, have spoken about the Rockets as a franchise on the rise. That recognition reflects how far Houston has come in just a few years. However, perception only carries weight if it translates into wins when it matters most. For the Rockets, this season is the moment of truth. The front office must decide whether to push all their chips in for Antetokounmpo or stay committed to Sengün and the foundation they’ve built. With Durant already in Houston, the stakes could not be higher. The decisions made in the coming months will define whether the Rockets emerge as a Western Conference powerhouse or risk unraveling the very chemistry that brought them to this point. One way or another, 2025-26 will be remembered as the year that shaped Houston’s future.
