West Notes: Rockets, outlook, Mavs, PJ Washington, Grizzlies

The Rockets made headlines by trading for Kevin Durant, but other offseason moves may prove just as important.

Houston extended center Steven Adams and re-signed Fred VanVleet to a more team-friendly contract, as Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle noted.

Both are respected locker-room voices and were key in last year’s playoff series against Golden State.

After a 52-win season, Houston looks capable of pushing that number closer to 55 in 2025/26.

Still, the ultimate test will be the postseason. The Rockets have not won a playoff series since 2020.

Southwest previews: Lerner also checked in with beat writers around the division:

• Michael Wallace of Grind City Media believes the Grizzlies can push for a top-six seed even after trading Desmond Bane.
• Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com thinks New Orleans will exceed projections that had them pegged near the bottom of the West.
• Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com sees Dallas finishing 48-34 and back in the postseason mix.

Washington’s extension in Dallas: The Mavericks signed P.J. Washington to a four-year, $89 million extension.

While the number itself looks reasonable, Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron wonders how it fits with an already crowded frontcourt and a roster that is getting more expensive by the year.

Gilyard to Memphis: The Grizzlies’ G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, acquired guard Evan Gilyard’s returning rights from Raptors 905 in exchange for a 2025 G League first-round pick.

Gilyard averaged 12.3 points and 5.4 assists last season and could be a candidate for an Exhibit 10 contract if Memphis wants to bring him into camp.