The NBA offseason is heating up, and with the 2026 NBA Draft officially wrapped up, teams are already making moves to shape their future. The Houston Rockets, in particular, have been quite active, especially during the second round of the draft. While they sat out the first round, the Rockets made some strategic trades that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
One of the most notable moves was trading up to snag Bruce Thornton, a promising talent who could bring a fresh dynamic to the team. Additionally, the Rockets added Quadir Copeland on a two-way deal, a savvy move that could pay dividends down the line.
Both players are expected to make their mark in the upcoming Summer League, joining forces with former Purdue standout Oscar Cluff. This trio promises to bring excitement to the Rockets' Summer League squad, which is always a great platform for young players to showcase their skills.
Speaking of the Summer League, the Rockets have unveiled their schedule for the July games in Las Vegas. They kick things off on July 10th against the Denver Nuggets, with the game set to air on ESPN 2 at 5:30 PM.
The action continues the next day, July 11th, when they take on the Toronto Raptors at 8:30 PM, available on Amazon Prime. The Rockets then face the Philadelphia 76ers on July 14th at 3 PM, also on Amazon Prime, before wrapping up their Summer League stint against the Brooklyn Nets on July 16th at 3:30 PM on ESPNU.
The Rockets' recent history in the Summer League has been a mixed bag, with some underwhelming performances in the past. However, the 2023-24 squad brought a spark, led by the sensational Jabari Smith Jr., who topped the scoring charts with an impressive 35.5 points per game, along with seven rebounds and four assists.
Tari Eason was another standout, averaging 23 points, 9.5 rebounds, and four assists. Not to be outdone, Cam Whitmore clinched the MVP title before even starting his rookie season.
This year's roster has big shoes to fill, but with the new additions, there's plenty of optimism that they can rise to the occasion and put on a show for the fans.
In Other News...
Rockets Just Made A Telling Tari Eason Decision
Tari Eason remains one of the more important young pieces in Houstons rotation, and the next step in his contract situation is starting to come into focus. After a season in which he brought energy, rebounding and defensive activity across 60 games, the Rockets are expected to keep the door open on a new deal by extending a qualifying offer that would keep him under team control.
For Houston, the move would preserve leverage and give the front office the ability to match any outside offer sheet Eason might sign. The qualifying offer is valued at $8,014,182, a number that underscores both his standing in the organization and how the Rockets appear prepared to manage his market this summer. [Read more 🡒]
Rockets Summer League Schedule Sets Up A Big Test For Young Talent
The Rockets 2026 Summer League slate is set, and it gives their young group a familiar kind of proving ground. Houston will see the Nuggets, Raptors, 76ers and Nets, a mix that should offer plenty of different looks as the organization tries to build on a Summer League showing that fell short a year ago. For a team that wants its prospects to look sharper and more organized in July, the schedule alone should make these games feel a little more meaningful than the usual exhibition run.
Oscar Cluff, the former Purdue big man, is already confirmed on the roster, giving Houston at least one clear addition to track as camp opens. The rest of the group will be watched just as closely, especially with the Rockets trying to sort out which young players can handle bigger roles and which ones still need more time before the real evaluation begins. [Read more 🡒]
Rockets Let Two Major Chances Slip Away At The Worst Time
The Rockets entered the offseason with a chance to make a major leap, but the biggest swings never materialized. Instead of landing a headline-grabbing addition, Houston stayed on the sidelines in the chase for Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball, then passed through the first round of the NBA Draft without making a pick before moving up in the second round to take Bruce Thornton.
For a team that has already built around Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and a healthy Fred VanVleet, the quieter approach says plenty about where the front office wants this next step to come from. Houston looks intent on developing its current core rather than forcing a win-now move, even as the roster still leaves room for more shooting and another source of offensive creation. [Read more 🡒]