The Houston Rockets are prioritizing re-signing center Steven Adams this summer after a strong playoff showing. Fred VanVleet is also expected to return, while Brook Lopez remains a backup option. With the No. 10 pick, Houston is preparing for a pivotal offseason.
With their season in the rearview mirror and the NBA shifting focus to the Finals, the Houston Rockets are already deep into offseason planning — juggling in-house decisions, draft prep, and potential free-agent moves after a promising 52-win campaign and a hard-fought first-round exit.
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Despite falling to the Warriors in seven games, the Rockets’ internal mood is one of optimism. Head coach Ime Udoka and GM Rafael Stone have both struck a confident tone in public appearances, and the organization sees this summer as a pivotal opportunity to take the next step forward.
Here’s a breakdown of Houston’s early offseason priorities — with free agency, the No. 10 pick, and roster reshaping all in play.
Re-signing Steven Adams
The Rockets have three key veterans entering unrestricted free agency: Steven Adams, Jeff Green, and Jae’Sean Tate. Of the trio, Adams is clearly the top priority, team sources told The Athletic.
The 31-year-old rebounded from a serious knee injury to become an integral part of Houston’s late-season rotation, especially in the playoffs. His elite offensive rebounding and physical presence gave the Rockets a new dimension, particularly when paired with Alperen Şengün in double-big lineups. Adams posted career highs in offensive and total rebound rate in limited minutes.
Rockets officials believe Adams wants to stay in Houston and are actively negotiating a new deal with his agent Darren Matsubara. However, the team knows there will be interest elsewhere — including from playoff-caliber teams like San Antonio, New York, Indiana, the Lakers, and Clippers.
Plan B: Brook Lopez
If Adams signs elsewhere, Brook Lopez remains on Houston’s radar. The 37-year-old nearly joined the Rockets in the 2023 offseason before ultimately re-signing with Milwaukee. His blend of three-point shooting, rim protection, and durability (237 games played over the past three seasons) still makes him an attractive fit.
Team sources said Houston could also have exploratory talks with Boston, anticipating that the cap-strapped Celtics may look to shed salary by moving veterans.
Fred VanVleet expected to return
The Rockets plan to retain Fred VanVleet, either by picking up his $44.9 million team option for 2025–26 or working out a longer-term, lower-cost deal. Sources around the league suggest the likelihood of VanVleet leaving is low.
VanVleet, a veteran stabilizer and locker-room leader, has expressed his desire to stay in Houston, citing the team’s trajectory and culture. The front office also maintains a strong relationship with his representatives, Rich Paul and Andy Miller, and sees him as part of the core moving forward.
Still, there’s acknowledgment that VanVleet’s sizable salary could be useful in a blockbuster trade if a superstar were to hit the market. But for now, Houston views him as central to its recent success.
With the draft less than a month away and free agency following soon after, the Rockets are preparing for what could be a transformative summer. Scouting trips, draft workouts, and internal player evaluations are already underway — with eyes on how to maximize a No. 10 overall pick that may be used in a trade or to add to the young core.
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