Rockets Likely Won't Offer Max Contract to Kevin Durant, Insiders Report
Houston Rockets Hold Back on Offering Kevin Durant Max Contract Extension
The Houston Rockets, despite acquiring NBA superstar Kevin Durant in a historic seven-team trade, are not expected to offer him a two-year, $122 million maximum contract extension. The team's cautious approach is due to Durant's age and contract costs, as well as the need to manage contracts for their young core players.
Durant, who turns 37 in September, is on an expiring contract worth $54.7 million for the upcoming season and is set to hit free agency in 2026. Although he is still productive, averaging 26.6 points per game last season, the Rockets anticipate potential regression due to his advanced age.
The team has already given big contract extensions to young players Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., and they need to manage the contracts of other young talents like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. The Rockets appear willing to take Durant on a one-season "expiring" deal without a costly extension, giving them flexibility.
Negotiations for a new contract extension between Durant and the Rockets are currently stalled, with no close agreement in sight. Durant might not push for the full maximum contract, viewing himself as a good fit with the Rockets' win-now trajectory.
The Rockets' acquisition of Durant was aimed at boosting their young squad that earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings with a 52-30 record last season. Durant is expected to strengthen the team, and his top priority, along with the Rockets, is for him to eventually retire with the team.
The trade involved sending Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Phoenix Suns. If Durant receives a two-year extension with a first-year salary of $57.4 million and Tari Eason signs a rookie extension, the Rockets will be a second-apron team (a term likely referring to a luxury tax threshold) during the 2026-27 season. The Rockets are currently in a position to negotiate a contract extension with Durant during the offseason.
Despite the team's excitement about Durant joining their roster, they are careful about offering him a maximum contract extension due to his age and the need to invest in their promising young core. The Rockets are eager to find a balance between Durant’s high cost and the need to secure their future.
- Despite acquiring NBA superstar Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets are not planning to offer him a two-year, $122 million maximum contract extension, preferring to focus on managing contracts for their young core players like Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and recent draft picks Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
- As a rookie season in the NBA approaches, the Rockets are currently in a position to negotiate a contract extension with Durant during the offseason, but their cautious approach to offering maximum contracts could result in a one-season "expiring" deal while maintaining budget flexibility.
- Despite Durant's historic acquisition by the Houston Rockets, sports analysts expect him to adapt well to the team's young squad as he prepares to play basketball alongside them, potentially helping the team contend for championships in the future and eventually retiring with the Rockets as his NBA home.
