Rockets Add Durant; VanVleet ACL Derails Plans

Kevin Durant said he and agent Rich Kleiman used league relationships to block a midseason reunion with the Golden State Warriors after the Phoenix Suns shopped him, and he was ultimately sent to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal. Houston added Durant to vault a young core built around Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson into immediate title contention and is reportedly working on a contract extension. That plan suffered a major setback when veteran point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in an offseason workout and is expected to miss the 2025–26 season, depriving the Rockets of their primary on‑floor leader. VanVleet had been a steady 15–16 point, 6–7 assist producer and his absence forces Houston to accelerate internal options such as Amen Thompson and rookie Reed Sheppard while exploring external fixes. Reported replacement paths include buyout/waiver targets like CJ McCollum, low‑cost veteran signings, or trading young assets such as Tari Eason to acquire a proven lead guard. While Durant, now 36 and entering his 19th season, still gives Houston a high ceiling with his length and scoring, VanVleet’s injury materially shrinks the Rockets’ margin for error in a loaded Western Conference.