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Blockbuster Rockets-Mavericks Mock Trade Reunites Kevin Durant With Ex-Nets Teammate
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- Blockbuster Rockets-Mavericks Mock Trade Reunites Kevin Durant With Ex-Nets Teammate
It has been a quiet offseason thus far for the Houston Rockets as they have not made much noise outside of a couple of moves.
Of course, the Rockets are coming off their second consecutive first-round playoff exit and are looking to turn things around heading into the new season, with Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun leading the way.
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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and center Alperen Sengun (28)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Houston also made some key moves this offseason, signing Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic in free agency and re-signing Tari Eason to a five-year extension.
With these moves, the Rockets are looking to compete at the top of the Western Conference this upcoming season, though they could look to make another move this offseason to add another key player to their roster.
Mock Trade Has Rockets Landing Kyrie Irving From Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
If they do decide to do this, Houston could target Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving to upgrade the team's point guard position.
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In a potential trade, the Rockets could send Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela and a 2027 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Irving.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleetDarren Yamashita-Imagn Images
For the Rockets, their biggest area of weakness last season came at the point guard position as VanVleet was sidelined the entire year due to a torn ACL he suffered last summer. While he is expected to be healthy to start the season, they could look to swap him for Irving to upgrade their backcourt.
For Irving, he would provide Houston with a veteran point guard who is a great scorer and playmaker, something the Rockets were in need of last season.
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Of course, Irving also has experience playing with Durant from their time with the Brooklyn Nets and the veteran guard could fit in nicely in Houston's system as they try to keep pace with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the West.
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Kyrie Irving (11)Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Despite this, there are some questions surrounding Irving after he missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during the 2024-25 season.
While Irving is expected to be back for the start of the new season, the Rockets may elect to look elsewhere to upgrade their roster rather than taking a chance on the 34-year-old guard coming off a major knee injury.
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The Mavericks may also elect to keep Irving on their roster as a mentor for their young players as they try to turn things around with Cooper Flagg leading the way.
Related: Trade Idea Lands Nets Tyler Herro From Bucks for $80 Million Trio
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
