With the Rockets trading Whitmore to the Wizards, Uduka and the coaching staff are likely to make three major changes

NBA Rockets player transactions are still in progress! The latest trading plan is that Whitmore traded to the Wizards, which received two second round picks, 2026 and 2029 respectively.

Trading Analysis

The Rockets traded Whitmore, who averaged 9.4 points per game last season, but it received two second rounds in 2026 and 2029.

Two points can be seen: First, the Rockets believe that there is no shortage of people in the position of Whitmore, and there is no need for players like Whitmore who can disrupt the rhythm, because they are exchanged for future draft picks; second, looking at the trading value of Whitmore, they changed to two second rounds. The three changes between Uduka and the coaching team are that the combat power must be achieved in the 2025-26 season. You can see that by trading Whitmore, this is the teaming method of "finding your achievements in one battle"! Even Whitmore, who can score 9.4 points and has room for value-addedness, doesn't want it anymore, that is, he has to take advantage of Durant, an old man, to compete for the championship.

Therefore, Durant, Capela, and Finney Smith will inevitably occupy an important position in the team's rotation in the new season, and it is difficult for Maluarch to make a debut in the rookie season.

Second, Uduka's tactical system has been almost reconstructed, and the attack system with front-line assault as the main focus is the focus. Durant is naturally the leader here. How Shin Kyung, who is inside, forms a "chemical reaction" with Durant is the focus of Uduka's consideration!

Considering that the Rockets trade came to Capela, it is possible that Shin Kyung and Durant will lead the team to play for a period of time respectively! After all, the team's inside and forward line are currently rich.

The third is that the team's defensive system is the focus of next season and the difficulty! If the five people Shepard, Amen, Durant, Shinkin and Capela start, they are a bit of a "integrated offense and defense" but their characteristics are not uncommon. This system needs to be adjusted by Uduka.

The Rockets are currently relatively rich in personnel, but it seems that they still lack a team-building main line. There are too many role players, and there are still fewer players leading the team. Durant is under great pressure!