With marquee external additions such as Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, along with efficient contract extensions for key personnel such as Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and head coach Ime Udoka, the Houston Rockets have turned heads throughout the NBA with their 2025 offseason.
According to oddsmakers, the Rockets now among the leading championship contenders for the 2026 NBA Finals. It’s understandable since Houston finished 52-30 last season and with the No. 2 record in the Western Conference, and it would appear they’ve significantly upgraded from that team.In Wednesday’s episode of The Lager Line (sponsored by Houston’s Karbach Brewing), Rockets podcasters Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves react to the avalanche of deals in recent days and weeks. These dealings have Tilman Fertitta poised to pay the luxury tax for the first time since his October 2017 purchase of the franchise.
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Discussion topics on the July 2 show include why the Finney-Smith signing might make the blockbuster Durant trade look even better; the implications of Capela’s surprising deal on future luxury tax considerations; and why leaders such as general manager Rafael Stone and ownership lead Patrick Fertitta deserve every bit of the praise they’re receiving around the league.
More: ‘Organizational hot streak’: ESPN’s top voices praise Houston’s 2025 offseason
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Podcast: With all-in approach, Rockets splurge into NBA’s luxury tax