In the latest episode of The Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link), ESPN’s Tim MacMahon indicated that the Rockets are reluctant to sign Kevin Durant to a maximum-salary extension — or anything close to it.
“The Rockets aren’t going to go all-in — by all appearances and by what I’ve heard — they’re not going all-in on an extension for Kevin Durant,” MacMahon said (hat tip to HoopsHype). “Now, doesn’t mean it won’t happen. But there have been rumblings of, ‘hey, KD is not going to push for the full max.’ I don’t know that the Rockets are going to put anything on the table that’s close to the max.
“I think the Rockets are like it’s not ideal, but I don’t think they would panic if they go into the season with Kevin Durant on the contract that he’s on, just on the expiring deal.”
Durant will make $54.7MM during the upcoming season on the final year of his current contract. Since the trade to Houston became official on July 6, he has been eligible for a two-year extension worth roughly $122MM. Waiting another six months would allow him to tack on about $2MM to his maximum extension value.
For what it’s worth, one source Kurt Helin of NBC Sports spoke to at Summer League suggested Durant might accept an extension for around $100MM over two years.
Houston was reported as one of Durant’s preferred destinations when Phoenix was going through the trade process, so the possibility of him leaving after one season may be minimized. Because they obtained him in a trade, the Rockets would hold full Bird rights on Durant if he does become a free agent next summer.
Brian Windhorst of the Hoop Collective points out that general manager Rafael Stone has been cautious about overextending his resources. Most of his signings have been short-term, including recent deals with Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith, and the long-term contracts he gave to Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. are viewed as good values around the league.
Windhorst adds that the Rockets seem to be prioritizing financial flexibility for the summer of 2027. VanVleet’s new contract covers two seasons, while Finney-Smith only has two years of guaranteed money. Smith and Steven Adams will both see their salaries decline after the 2026/27 season.
On the same podcast, Tim Bontemps credits Stone for “understanding the new economic environment the league is in.” He suggests that Stone’s restraint will help the team better navigate the apron structure once expected extensions for Tari Eason, Amen Thompson and possibly Reed Sheppard eventually kick in.
“The Rockets have done a remarkable job of showing fiscal discipline and restraint all the way through,” Bontemps said. “And I think if they can continue to do that, they’re going to have a real advantage over the competition, because we’ve seen other teams not do that. And I think it’s going to bite them later.”
Rory Maher contributed to this post.
It’s in their best interest to go all in. Why give up all that to get him, what you perceive as the missing piece, and then low ball him? He’s still performing at all elite level.
Because he’s old, he can’t win without Curry, he’s moody and you’re not moving that contract at $62 million a year.
I see your point, but it’s hard to say what they’ll get out of him this year. He’s NBA old and he’s not going to play a whole season. They can always extend him during the season if things are going well, but it will come down to price. If he can still bring max level talent then he could get the max extension. It’s smart of the Rockets to wait and see.
Inj concern would be my guess more than the actual raw numbers
Would take a lot to derail Hou today and they can pivot so easily and so effectively
I hear the concern and its valid but I think Hou is right to (quietly) pound the table for a little slack on the rope. Think they will compromise and we will see a 2 yr ext in Sept training camp with KD for a nice discount off the max and all will be happy happy joy joy for the time being in HOU
I agree. But I would go lower. If he is willing to accept
2 yrs 100 mill. I sign him now. Three year window with KD sounds right to me.
They didn’t give up much. Brooks was negative asset. Lotto was something but if Durant gets them to the finals he’ll likely resign for less.
The washington wizards could have given u the max 7-8 yrs ago. I don’t know now… too late.. too old now.
This is an odd play at this point, surprised this wasn’t ironed out before the trade took place.
He won’t take the max but would settle for 50mil a year. How generous of him
Trade him
I thought 2/100 was always very amendable for both sides
Hou can navigate that easily
I’m sure they’d even do the 2/124 next summer if they knew he was 100% healthy and the fit was good (I think it def will be for last part)
The risk they are probably balancing is extending now then a bad multi season inj occurs and they are screwed~ I think both parties will meet in the middle and KD will take the 2/100 before this season opener tips saving Hou 12 M AAV a year on the cap while getting KD one last huge score
Rockets own his Bird rights at end of year.
Who is going to offer KD a max contract. I don’t see this as all about the money like Bron with KD. I see KD wanting another ring. And believes he can get 1-2 in Houston. That’s why I definitely sign him for the 2 yr 100 mill. Why did you give up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Maluach. 100 mill is more than fair for Rockets. Then he can retire a Rocket.