The Houston Rockets are not expected to pursue a major midseason trade, with the organization viewing Fred VanVleet’s return from ACL injury as its biggest addition, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN’s Get Up.
MacMahon said Houston is comfortable with its current roster and does not intend to use its collection of draft picks to make a significant change. The Rockets believe injuries prevented the group from showing its full potential last season.
“Their big move was getting Fred VanVleet back,” MacMahon said, also pointing to Steven Adams’ expected return as another important boost.
Houston opened the 2026-27 season 5-0, giving the front office little immediate reason to disrupt the roster. Alperen Sengun is averaging 24.5 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in four games, while Kevin Durant has contributed 22.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game through five appearances.
Amen Thompson is adding 18.2 points and eight rebounds per game, and Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 16.2 points while shooting 42.9% from three-point range. VanVleet has recorded 12.3 points and 6.5 assists per game in four appearances.
MacMahon pointed to the injuries suffered by VanVleet and Adams last season as the reason Houston did not get a full opportunity to evaluate its roster. Rather than make another major move, the Rockets intend to give the group time to establish what it can accomplish together.
Houston also has a substantial collection of draft picks available, but MacMahon indicated that the team is not in a hurry to use those assets.
