NBA trade rumors: Houston Rockets predicted to land $118 million Dallas Mavericks superstar in blockbuster move to improve title odds

The Houston Rockets have burst out to a strong 9-3 start, winning four of their last five games, but there’s still a noticeable gap in their backcourt. With Fred VanVleet sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to an ACL injury, Houston is operating without a true point guard - and that absence is shaping the conversation around the team’s long-term ceiling.

Amen Thompson has stepped up admirably, yet the franchise ideally wants him back in his natural off-ball role, pushing the front office to explore creative options.That exploration has led to a surprising blockbuster trade idea: reuniting Kevin Durant with NBA champion Kyrie Irving. The concept, highlighted by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, suggests Houston could take advantage of Dallas’ uncertainty around Irving’s future while addressing its own need for a primary playmaker.

With the Rockets already thriving without VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith yet to suit up, the proposal is gaining attention - especially with Irving expected to return later this season from his ACL setback.

Why the Houston Rockets Are Being Linked to Kyrie Irving

The Houston Rockets are navigating the season with Amen Thompson stepping into playmaking duties, but the organization ideally wants him back in his natural off-ball role. Meanwhile, VanVleet is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, leaving Houston without a veteran distributor.

According to CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn, Kyrie Irving stands out as a surprisingly logical target given the Rockets’ roster construction and timeline. As Quinn wrote last Thursday, “Irving’s trade value is a total mystery. There’s really only one team that makes sense, and that’s Houston, where he could reunite with Kevin Durant.” (H/t: Sporting News)

Irving is currently recovering from a torn ACL but is projected to return later this season - unlike VanVleet.

Even with the risk, the potential reward of pairing Irving with Durant again is enough to generate intrigue for the surging Western Conference team.

The Proposed Trade Package

Here is the structure of the hypothetical deal outlined by Quinn, which brings significant star power to the Houston Rockets without heavy disruption to their rotation:

Proposed Trade Package

Quinn notes that the Houston Rockets “wouldn’t really miss” Finney-Smith in this scenario since the veteran forward has yet to debut for Houston this year.

Revisiting the Durant-Irving Partnership

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving shared the court for 2.5 seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. Although their tenure fell short of championship expectations, the duo delivered some of the most electric basketball of the early 2020s.

What Made the Duo Special

• Irving’s elite ball-handling and shot-making • Durant’s effortless scoring from all three levels • Their ability to take over games individually or interchangeably • Ratings-friendly, highlight-heavy playstyleThe Nets didn’t capture a title or even reach the Finals during their run, but few duos matched their entertainment value or scoring chemistry.

Why This Reunion Might Make Sense Now

• The Rockets are winning without a true point guard • VanVleet is sidelined all season • Irving is expected to return before the playoffs • Durant benefits from high-level shot creation next to him • The Western Conference race is tightening, making veteran experience valuableIf Houston continues its strong play deep into the season, taking a calculated swing on Irving could elevate the team into legitimate contender territory.

Key Factors Houston Must Consider

• Irving’s health following ACL recovery • Contract commitment (three years remaining, $118 million) • Team chemistry with a young core • Fit alongside Durant in a new system • Long-term flexibility versus short-term upside

Potential Benefits for the Houston Rockets

• A true point guard with elite scoring ability • A proven playoff performer when healthy • Immediate pressure relieved from Amen Thompson • Championship-level tandem with Durant

Potential Concerns

• Availability issues • Contract size • Risk of disrupting team rhythm • Defensive liabilities in certain matchups

Will the Trade Actually Happen?

Everything hinges on timing. If Houston maintains its momentum and Irving nears a healthy return, the franchise may find it worthwhile to “give the former Cleveland Cavaliers star a look on the trade market,” as the original article suggests.For now, the rumor exists as an intriguing hypothetical - one that connects an overachieving young team with two aging superstars who once formed one of the league’s must-watch duos.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign $54 million Dallas Mavericks superstar to for deadly duo with Luka DoncicAnd as Sam Quinn emphasized, “They’re not going to trade Irving just to trade him. They’d have to get something of substance.” Whether Houston decides to be that team will be one of the season’s most fascinating subplots.