As the 2025-26 NBA season opens, almost no fanbase has more reason to be excited than that of the Houston Rockets, whose blockbuster acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant this offseason could propel them directly into championship contention.
Moreover, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton at ESPN have wholeheartedly reiterated the impact of this trade in Houston, listing Durant as the most impactful newcomer on any NBA squad this season.
Although the offseason has been relatively slow as far as splash moves are concerned, lots of difference-making NBA players have changed teams this summer, and Herring and Pelton's takes on Durant signify just how big of an impact he can have on the ascending Rockets' offense.