3 Houston Rockets Who Won't Be Back Next Season

After taking a big swing last summer in trading for Kevin Durant, it wasn't supposed to end this way for the Houston Rockets in 2026. But here we are. Eliminated in the first round by the LA Lakers in six games.

Coach Ime Udoka ripped into his players last week after they went down 3-0 in the series, and it's a sure bet he's not too happy with the team right now.

Buzz is already building that the Rockets will be looking to move on from Durant, and many executives expect the Rockets to chase another “star-level” talent this offseason, writes Sam Amick in the Athletic.

"They must decide whether to double down on a roster with clear concerns or perhaps go all in — yet again — by chasing another superstar this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard or Donovan Mitchell could be up for grabs," Amick writes.

One way or another, this Rockets team won't look the same. Here are three players who we expect won't be back next season:

Rumors have begun that Durant will want out of Houston

Kevin Durant

The fit was just never right. Rockets players privately "regretted" the trade that brought KD to Houston, and word has already started to filter that he wants out, yet again. Look for the Rockets to try to flip Durant in a deal to land another impact player.

Dorian Finney-Smith

Injuries and underperformance have made Finney-Smith a shell of the essential 3-and-D player he once was. With career lows of just 37 games, 16.8 minutes a night, a woeful 27% shooting from three-point range, and 3.3 points per game, the Rockets might very well "waive and stretch" the 32-year-old. He has only one year left on his deal that's guaranteed, and they might have to eat that $13.3 million.

Jae'Sean Tate

A pending free agent, Tate's role has steadily decreased under Udoka the past few years, to the point where he was an afterthought this season, playing just 8 minutes a night in 46 contests. He averaged just 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. There's no chance the Rockets will look to bring his back.