The Houston Rockets made headlines this summer by trading for future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, signaling their intent to contend in the Western Conference. But despite the blockbuster move, the franchise is reportedly not going all-in on a long-term commitment to the 36-year-old superstar.
According to ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast, insiders say the Rockets are unlikely to offer Durant a maximum-salary extension, and may be content entering the season with him on an expiring deal.
Durant is set to earn $54.7 million in the final year of his current contract. He became eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension upon being traded to Houston on July 6. However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted that while the possibility of an extension remains,
“there’ve been rumblings of KD not going to push for the full max,” and the Rockets are “not going to put anything on the table that’s close to the max”.
Fellow ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst added that Houston’s front office, led by GM Rafael Stone, has shown a consistent pattern of short-term, financially flexible contracts.
“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 just on the expiring deal,” Windhorst said.
This approach aligns with Houston’s broader strategy under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, which penalizes teams that exceed the second apron threshold. Stone has been praised for his fiscal discipline, having signed players like Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith to short-term deals, while securing long-term value contracts for young stars Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr..
Durant’s future in Houston may hinge on performance and chemistry. If he leads the Rockets deep into the playoffs, a revised extension could be revisited. But for now, the team appears focused on maintaining cap flexibility, especially with looming extensions for Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard expected to reshape the payroll by 2027.
Durant, who averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. But as he enters his 18th season, the Rockets are weighing the value of his production against the long-term financial implications.
