Does Kevin Durant deal make Houston Rockets legitimate NBA title contenders next season?

After several weeks of rumors surrounding a potential deal, 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster transaction that alters the NBA landscape entering 2026. Does the addition of Durant lift the Rockets into legitimate championship contention as he joins a talented roster that desperately needed an experienced go-to scorer?

The Rockets held onto rising stars Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson, as well as Fred VanVleet, Jamari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard to pair with Durant. The Suns acquired Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, and five future second round draft picks. Following the trade, Houston was given the third-best odds to win the 2026 NBA Finals per FanDuel.

2026 NBA Finals odds

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (+210)

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (+800)

3. Houston Rockets (+900)

4. New York Knicks (+900)

5. Orlando Magic (+1200)

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (+1400)

7. Los Angeles Lakers (+1500)

8. Boston Celtics (+1600)

9. Denver Nuggets (+1700)

10. Los Angeles Clippers (+2400)

11. Golden State Warriors (+2900)

12. San Antonio Spurs (+2900)

13. Dallas Mavericks (+3200)

14. Philadelphia 76ers (+3300)

15. Indiana Pacers (+4700)

16. Detroit Pistons (+5000)

17. Milwaukee Bucks (+6500)

18. Memphis Grizzlies (+13000)

19. Miami Heat (+16000)

20. Toronto Raptors (+21000)

21. New Orleans Pelicans (+24000)

22. Atlanta Hawks (+26000)

23. Phoenix Suns (+49000)

24. Brooklyn Nets (+50000)

25. Charlotte Hornets (+50000)

26. Chicago Bulls (+50000)

27. Portland Trail Blazers (+50000)

28. Sacramento Kings (+50000)

29. Utah Jazz (+50000)

30. Washington Wizards (+50000)

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