It wasn’t the most flashy signing, but the 2025-26 Houston Rockets could reap big rewards from landing veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency.

Per Lorenzo Reyes of USA TODAY, it’s the exact type of addition that could help the Rockets compete with the defending Western Conference and NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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In a column exploring five “under-the-radar moves” that could potentially determine the league’s 2026 champion, Reyes writes:

This move was overshadowed by the trade to land Kevin Durant, but signing Dorian Finney-Smith feels like a move that was done in response to the rise of the Thunder. The Rockets, with Finney-Smith, suddenly have elite length and defensive athleticism at the wing, which should align with clamping Oklahoma City players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Finney-Smith can also hit 3s — he shot a career-best 41.1% from beyond the arc last season — so he helps spread the floor for Houston.

Another move worthy of consideration here is re-signing center Steven Adams, who allows the Rockets to play a two-big lineup, matching up with the Thunder duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The Rockets were a top-five defense last season, and adding Finney-Smith to the likes of Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Josh Okogie offers considerable defensive potential on the wing. Furthermore, Finney-Smith’s arrival could offset the loss of veteran forward Dillon Brooks, who went to Phoenix as part of the Durant trade package.

Finally, it’s also worth noting who Houston — which finished at No. 2 in the West last season — signed Finney-Smith away from.

By adding Finney-Smith, the Rockets (52-30) weakened the team directly behind them in the West standings, the Los Angeles Lakers (50-32, No. 3). In addition, as Reyes pointed out, the signing should help them match up with the team directly in front of them.

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For general manager Rafael Stone, finding that type of competitive advantage — in one fell swoop — versus two of Houston’s primary West rivals could prove critical.

More: In signing with Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith sees ‘great team’ with a chance to be special

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets earn praise for ‘under the radar’ Dorian Finney-Smith signing