The Houston Rockets took a big swing this offseason when they acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and a pile of second round draft picks. KD’s fit in H-town and whether or not he’s still elite has been the bulk of the conversation around the move since it was made, but there’s another issue that’s gotten a little less press, and that’s Durant’s contract situation.
Durant is in the final year of a four-year, $194 million deal, and is said to be open
to signing an extension with the Rockets. This final year of his deal with Houston, he is due $54 million. According to ESPN, the days of KD demanding and receiving a max deal may be coming to a close.
According to Brian Windhorst:
“The Rockets and Durant have had discussions about a new contract and there is belief they will come to terms, sources said, but they’ve yet to come to an agreement. “Durant, like James, is no longer viewed as a centerpiece, as Houston builds around a young core of players it acquired through the draft.
“The Rockets view Durant as a final component, a veteran who graduates them into true contender status, while they manage taking care of core players such as Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet, both of whom signed large contracts this summer, and Alperen Sengun, a 2025 All-Star who signed a big deal the summer of 2024.
“In the end, Durant might need to accept less than a maximum contract, which he has been on since 2011, if he wants to stay in Houston.”
Durant is eligible for a two-year, $122 million max extension with the Rockets. And while two years seems appropriate for the 36 (soon to be 37) year old Durant, that $122 is a massive figure for a guy in the twilight of his career.
Tell us in the comments whether or not you think KD deserves the max, and if not, how much you think he gets an extension for in Houston, if at all.
