4 Rockets who must be on the 2025-26 roster after pivotal offseason

The Houston Rockets could make drastic changes this summer. 

They've got the draft capital. They've got the young players. If they want, the Rockets could acquire a superstar. 

Every summer, a disappointed star forces their way out of town. The Rockets play in an attractive market, and they've got the goods to bring marquee players on board. 

That said, they could opt for more marginal changes. The Rockets may let the results of the playoffs dictate their decision-making. If this young core looks battle-ready, Rafael Stone may opt to keep them together. It will be interesting to see how he proceeds: 

Here are four Rockets that need to be on the roster next year no matter what happens. 

1. Fred VanVleet

Let's start from an obvious place. VanVleet is the Rockets' north star. 

Sure, he's had a down shooting year in 2024-25. The Rockets are still +5.6 points better when he's on the floor (per CleaningTheGlass). VanVleet's ability to orchestrate an offense without turning the ball over allows him to retain that impact. 

Allegedly, there have already been talks about extending him. The Rockets may look to downsize VanVleet's role. They'd like to be less reliant on him. He's still a critical component of how this team currently operates. 

He'll be back in Rockets red next year, and deservingly so. 

2. Amen Thompson 

Perhaps there are exceptions to every rule. If the Rockets acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, they may part with Thompson. Running both non-shooters doesn't feel viable, and the Bucks will want Thompson as part of any package for a top-5 player. 

Slim chance outcomes aside, Thompson should be a Rocket for years to come. He's the young player who embodies Ime Udoka's philosophies. Thompson is already among the best defensive wings in the NBA. He plays the way Udoka wants all of his guys to play - with frenetic energy and relentless effort. 

Is he a point guard or a wing? The Rockets still don't have their answer. Still, Thompson has established a high floor for his NBA career. He's assured a spot as an elite defensive wing who can cut, finish pick-and-rolls and make secondary plays on the offensive end. 

That's not a player the Rockets will give up easily. Barring a (F)reakishly unlikely exception, he'll be back next year. 

3. Tari Eason 

Some Rockets fans will question Eason's inclusion. He's played in 36 of their 55 games this year. Why should the Rockets prioritize such an unreliable player? 

Well, because of how impactful he is. Eason's Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 4.4 is one of the most shocking stats across the NBA. That's a mark that lands him in the same range as star players. 

He impacts the game as much as anyone - he just does it differently. Eason generates extra possessions at a historic clip thanks to his combined ability to grab offensive rebounds and steal the ball. His 34.9% shooting is passable enough to allow Eason to play in lineups with a wide range of players. 

Will he ever be a star on-ball creator? It's possible but unlikely. It's also a relatively moot point. Eason is the type of player you want when you're ready to make a title run - an elite role player. 

4. Alperen Sengun 

Sengun will be a controversial choice as well. Some Rockets fans will feel that his defense has regressed without Jabari Smith Jr. They will be correct. So if Sengun is a dependent defender and a poor floor spacer, shouldn't he be expendable in pursuit of a star? 

Here's the rub - the Rockets will, in time, need two stars. Sengun is the only player on this roster making starry contributions. He's a team-best +5.6 this year. By way of comparison, Thompson is -3.4, and Jalen Green is -11.4 (all per CleaningtheGlass) 

Thompson's mark is moderately concerning at worst - he's a sophomore. Green's is code red, "the sky is falling" levels of terrifying. Still, the broader point is that Sengun is the closest thing the Rockets have to a star offensive creator. 

He'll be on the roster for the 2025-26 season.