Some Big Names Moved This NBA Offseason, Raising Some Big Questions
Can Kevin Durant, 36, boost the Rockets? Do the Clippers need another injury-prone star? And what’s with that Lillard deal in Portland?
(L-R) General manager Joe Cronin, Damian Lillard and head coach Chauncey Billups during a press conference at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on July 21, 2025. Amanda Loman/Getty Images
Mouths were agape after a number of moves across the National Basketball Association this offseason.
At a time when clubs are trying to improve their rosters, some franchises are turning heads with decisions worthy of surprise-face emojis. Here are some of the more puzzling moves:
Houston Adds Durant
The Houston Rockets blasted out of the gates just after the NBA Draft, trading for the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant to add a superstar shooter to a team that lacked a big-time scorer and finisher.
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.
