This summer, the Houston Rockets traded for a 15-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and one-time NBA MVP. Given all those accolades, one might think they added several highly accomplished NBA players. Yet, they only added one: 2007 No. 2 pick Kevin Durant.
With Durant now on board, the Rockets are expecting to blast off. That’s not to downplay their 2024-25 season, as they were the second seed in the West and clinched a playoff berth. Still, if they had Durant instead of a streaky potential All-Star in 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green, they may have gone even further.
Latest On Rockets, Kevin Durant Contract Extension
Right now, Durant and the Rockets appear committed to each other, but how much?
In a recent airing of Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says Houston is “not gonna go all-in on an extension for Kevin Durant. Doesn’t mean it won’t happen. But there have been rumblings, of ‘Hey, KD’s not going to push for the full max.’”
“…they’re not gonna go all-in with an extension for KD…KD’s not going to push for the full max, I dont know the #Rockets are going to put anything on the table close to the full max…”
– Tim MacMahon[@espn_macmahon] on KD extension
Thoughts?#LiftOff pic.twitter.com/FCmN7SDcAl— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) August 8, 2025
“I don’t know that the Rockets are going to put anything on the table close to the max,” MacMahon adds.
What’s Houston’s Problem?
To preface the following, it has already been reported that Durant is expected to retire with the Rockets. As a result, the question isn’t really whether his contract extension can or will get done. The questions are when will they reach the agreement and what will the details be?
Of course, a season-ending injury, in-season collapse or any other serious adverse event could throw a wrench in that plan. Naturally, there likely has to be some type of historical or sentimental connection that would cause a team to remain committed to a player in those scenarios. For example, 35-year-old point guard Damian Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks because he tore his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Yet, the Portland Trail Blazers signed him to a multi-year contract despite the fact he’ll miss the entire 2025-26 season. The primary impetus behind the decision was a mix of history and sentimentality.
Durant has had his fair share of injuries, including a torn Achilles. The previous two franchises he’s played for, the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, fell apart while he was on the roster. Thus, this may be particularly relevant in his case. Frankly, who can confidently say the Rockets are guaranteed to be as high on Durant next summer as they are now?
When Will The Contract Extension Get Signed?
Should Houston agree to an extension with Durant, it could happen after the 2025-26 season, giving both sides time to assess the practical viability of their partnership. However, there are reasons to believe they could sign the deal prior to the start of the 2025-26 season.
For the Rockets, the benefit isn’t just having him locked into a contract but removing a potential distraction. There’s little doubt that both sides will be peppered with questions about their impending negotiations throughout the season if not. Those questions might only become more prevalent if Houston begins to falter. the years will likely be intended to carry him into the day he hangs up his jersey.
For Durant, though he’s already a millionaire hundreds of times over, having that additional financial security doesn’t hurt.
As previously stated, he’s had myriad injuries throughout his career. The wrong one could have a significant impact on his future earnings. He’ll also likely prefer to face fewer questions about a contract extension. That being said, over the years, he’s become known for his abrasive rebuttals on social media. Those interactions shed light on his psyche; he won’t like being hounded for answers about his future in Houston.
What Will The Details Be?
At this juncture, Durant is unlikely to be signed to a max contract extension.
Yet, it’s difficult to see him not being one of the 25-highest players in the league. For reference, New York Knicks defensive stalwart OG Anunoby will be the 25th-highest paid player in 2025-26 with a salary of $42.5 million. With that being said, Durant is likely going to be the Rockets’ top option on offense. This is a role that’s more similar to those who are among the top-20 highest paid players in the NBA. For example, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young will make $49 million in 2025-26.
When factoring in his age, Durant’s offer could fall somewhere in-between $42.5 million to $50 million annually.
As far as the years, the intent will be for this contract to be his last. Publicly, the soon-to-be 37-year-old has never stated the age he wants to retire. Yet, he could likely play at a high-level for another three seasons. At his current scoring pace (1,798 points per season), he’ll pass NBA icons Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan by then. With another season, he could rank third all-time in career scoring.
Thus, the best option for Durant could be a four-year, $200 million contract extension with a player option for the final season.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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