The Rockets are so powerful! 10 operations in one go, all inside + 3D are available, Thunder, don t think it s stable

After the free market opened in 2025, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone continued to operate at the god level, signing high-quality 3D forward Dorian Finney Smith for 4 years and $53 million, and at the same time, welcoming old player Clint Capela for 3 years and $21.5 million, and renewing the contract with Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday and Tate.

At this point, the Rockets' 14-man championship lineup was officially released, led by Kevin Durant, aiming at the third championship in team history!

Fenney Smith previously refused to execute the $15.4 million player option, which triggered a scramble for multiple teams after becoming a free agent. The Lakers had hoped to renew his contract, but the Rockets finally successfully intercepted the bully with 53 million in four years. The 32-year-old striker made 41% of three-point shooting last season, and the defensive end limited the opponent's effective half-time shooting percentage to 47%, ranking among the top ten in the league. His joining will greatly improve the Rockets' wing offense and defense and fill the vacancy after Dillon Brooks left the team.

The Rockets signed back former player Clint Capela with 21.5 million in three years. The rebounder maniac averaged 10.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game last season, with a shooting percentage of 64.5%. His return allowed the Rockets to upgrade their depth in the interior, forming a "three-tower rotation" with Adams and Shin Kyung, ensuring the advantage of the penalty area defense and rebounds. After a series of operations this summer, the core lineup of the new season is as follows:

Starting: Van Vleet, Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabbarry Smith Jr., Shinkin

Substitutes: Capela, Adams, Finney Smith, Ethan, Whitmore, Tate, Holiday, Jeff Green, Shepard

This lineup combines shooting, defense, rebounding and depth, and is regarded by the US media as the top three favorites to win the championship in the West.

The Rockets' operations this summer are indeed fast, ruthless and accurate.

8 for 1 deal gets Durant (sends Jaylen Green + Dillon + first round pick, etc.)

5 years, 122 million yuan renewal of Jabbarri Smith Jr.

22 years, 50 million yuan renewal of VanVleet, 39 million yuan renewal of Adams, 4 years, 53 million yuan signed Finney Smith, 21.5 million yuan signed back Capela, 11 year final salary renewal of Jeff Green, 22}

1 year final salary renewal of Holiday, 3 million yuan renewal of Tate, and head coach Uduka renewal of many years of contract with head coach Uduka last season, but the rise of the Rockets made their road to defending the title full of challenges. Durant's joining gives the Rockets a top scorer, while Finney Smith and Capela's reinforcement makes the team's offense and defense more balanced.

Although the Thunder still has a strong combination of Alexander + Holmgren, the Rockets' lineup depth and experience advantages may become key variables in the playoffs.