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MMBets: The Houston Rockets need to make a decision

The Houston Rockets enter the 2024-25 season with a mix of veteran leadership and high draft capital, but their path to reclaiming playoff dominance is clouded by tough roster decisions. After a first-round exit last year—where they fell to a Lakers team missing Luka Dončić and with Kevin Durant playing just one game—they lost key contributors like Fred VanVleet before the season even began.

Now, with Durant and Bogdan Bogdanović back, their offensive firepower should improve, but the team remains stuck between maximizing young talent and addressing immediate needs. Alperen Şengün’s $35 million salary looms large, while Steven Adams appears the better fit at center, and Reed Sheppard’s underwhelming debut as a third-overall pick adds pressure.

Trading one or both young players for a dynamic guard—like Kyrie Irving, who has been linked in rumors—could free up cap space and solidify the lineup, but missteps could derail Durant’s final NBA run. The Rockets are projected to dip below 49 wins this season, reflecting the challenges of balancing short-term fixes with long-term development.

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